PCB launches disciplinary inquiry into players’ conduct during England tour

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched an internal disciplinary inquiry into reports concerning discipline and conduct during the national team’s ongoing tour of England, adding to the turmoil surrounding the Pakistan Test side after a 2-0 series defeat.

PCB media director Amir Mir confirmed on Monday that the board had initiated an inquiry and said all matters would be examined under its regulations and standard procedures.

“The PCB has initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct, which are currently being reviewed internally,” Amir Mir said in a tweet on X.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct, which are currently being reviewed internally. The PCB handles such matters in accordance with its standard procedures. The process is being…

— Amir Mir (@AmirMirpcb) September 7, 2026

He said that the process was being conducted under PCB regulations and that all concerned individuals would be given an opportunity to present their position.

The PCB did not identify the players involved or disclose the specific allegations being examined.

The board also urged stakeholders and the public not to treat speculation and unverified claims circulating on social media and other platforms as established facts, saying official PCB communications should be relied upon for verified information.

Reports of inquiry involving Imam, Rizwan

The PCB’s announcement came amid reports that the disciplinary inquiry had widened to include former Test players Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan.

According to reports, the board is examining the activities and contacts of the two players during their stay in London.

Some media reports have also claimed that the team’s security officer took possession of Imam and Rizwan’s mobile phones after Pakistan’s heavy defeat to England in the second Test at Lord’s and that the devices were returned several hours later after data was allegedly transferred.

However, the PCB has not confirmed that it seized the players’ phones or obtained data from them. The board has also not officially confirmed that Imam or Rizwan are the subjects of the disciplinary inquiry.

Other reports have suggested that investigators are examining whom the players contacted and their activities while in London, with possible disciplinary action being discussed if any wrongdoing is established. These claims, too, have not been officially confirmed by the PCB.

Imam’s injury under scrutiny

The developments follow separate scrutiny of Imam-ul-Haq’s withdrawal from the second Test at Lord’s.

The PCB had officially said Imam suffered a low-grade strain to his left calf muscle while fielding on the opening day of the match and was receiving treatment from the team’s medical staff.

However, his failure to bat in either innings despite remaining with the squad attracted questions after he was reportedly seen taking part in training activities.

PCB high-performance director and national selection committee member Aaqib Javed subsequently called for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the injury.

Reports have since suggested that a broader investigation into Imam was being considered.

Some media reports have even speculated about a possible suspension if wrongdoing is established, but the PCB’s Monday statement did not confirm any such punishment or allegation.

Rizwan also reportedly under scrutiny

Rizwan’s position has also come under scrutiny following the PCB’s decision to release him from the Test squad.

He was among seven players sent home after Pakistan lost the first two Tests of the three-match series against England.

According to reports, the board is examining issues relating to his conduct as part of the wider disciplinary review. However, no specific allegation against Rizwan has been publicly confirmed by the PCB.

Major shake-up after England defeats

The disciplinary inquiry is the latest development in a major shake-up of Pakistan’s Test set-up.

Pakistan lost the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord’s, giving England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The PCB subsequently made sweeping changes to the squad and coaching staff.

Seven players, including Rizwan, Imam and Salman Ali Agha, were released from the touring party. They were replaced by a number of new and uncapped players ahead of the third Test.

The board also replaced red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed with Mike Hesson on an interim basis for the final Test.

The third and final Test is scheduled to begin at Edgbaston in Birmingham on September 9.

PCB urges reliance on official information

The PCB has so far declined to provide further details about the disciplinary inquiry while the process is ongoing.

The board’s statement stressed that all concerned individuals would be given an opportunity to present their position before any conclusions are reached.

The PCB also cautioned against relying on speculative reports and unverified claims, particularly those circulating on platforms outside official channels.

The inquiry therefore remains at an early stage, with no disciplinary finding or punishment announced against Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan or any other player.

The development nevertheless adds another layer to the crisis engulfing Pakistan cricket after the team’s poor performance in England and the sweeping changes made to the Test squad and coaching staff.