The Pakistan Cricket Board has launched a formal internal investigation regarding player conduct and team discipline during their ongoing cricket tour of England. This administrative inquiry represents the latest development in a deeply challenging campaign for the visiting side, who currently trail two to none in the three-match series.
Preparations for the final match at Edgbaston have been overshadowed by widespread off-field disruption. Last week, team management made sweeping changes to the touring party by sending home seven players and immediately bringing in seven replacements. At the same time, the board replaced former head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed with New Zealander Mike Hesson.
The turbulence escalated during the second Test at Lord's when the touring squad briefly threatened to walk away from the match and abandon the tour. That threat arose in response to a broadcast interview featuring the sons of imprisoned former prime minister and national cricket captain Imran Khan.
In an official statement released on Monday, board officials confirmed that an internal review is currently underway. The organization stated that the disciplinary procedure follows established regulatory frameworks and ensures fair consideration for everyone involved.
The governing body also cautioned the public against believing unverified media reports. The statement specifically criticized rumors originating from external sources, urging stakeholders to disregard speculation and rely exclusively on official announcements.
Team management has previously addressed several high-profile controversies stemming from the tour. Head coach Hesson recently answered questions about reports that batter Salman Ali Agha had declined an invitation to meet King Charles at Clarence House. Hesson also dismissed claims that the selection of two similarly named players, Mohammad Imran and Mohammad Imran Jr, was the result of administrative confusion.
The overhaul of the touring squad involved significant personnel decisions ahead of the upcoming fixture. Four bowling changes were implemented after Hesson assumed leadership for the final contest, following the earlier omission of three senior figures: Salman, batter Imam-ul-Haq, and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.
Imam faced public scrutiny during the second Test after a calf injury prevented him from taking the crease in either innings. Alongside Hesson's appointment, the backroom staff underwent restructuring with the addition of Australian Ashley Noffke as fast-bowling coach, succeeding Umar Gul.
Speaking to reporters on Monday at Edgbaston ahead of Wednesday's series finale, Noffke admitted he remained largely uninformed about the specifics of the ongoing disciplinary probe. He noted that such administrative matters operate outside the immediate responsibilities of the coaching staff.
The newly appointed assistant coach remarked that background turmoil is a frequent reality when working with the national team. He observed that players generally remain focused on their on-field duties while board-level decisions are handled elsewhere.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
