KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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Pakistan team management had sent back seven players after the series defeat at Lord’s last week.
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PCB have launched an ‘internal disciplinary inquiry’ amid a crisis during the England tour.
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PCB have dismissed speculative media reports.
Explained: PCB’s ‘internal disciplinary inquiry’ after seven Pakistan players were sent home in the middle of England tour
The Pakistan Cricket Board have formally confirmed that it has launched an ‘internal disciplinary inquiry’ after seven Pakistan players were sent home in the middle of the ongoing Test tour of England.
Pakistan lost their second consecutive Test match on English soil at Lord’s last week and subsequently conceded the series to the hosts after an embarrassing performance at the home of cricket.
In the aftermath of the humiliating loss in England, the PCB took drastic steps as they sent back seven players from the Test squad in the middle of the tour, which included senior stars like Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan.
Days after the harsh call, PCB’s advisor to the chairman and director of media and digital communications, Amir Mir, confirmed on social media that the board will investigate the concerning discipline and conduct of the players.
On X, Mir wrote, “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 conducted under PCB regulations, ensuring that all concerned individuals are given due consideration. At this stage, any speculative reports or unverified claims circulating on certain platforms, particularly those originating from hostile external sources, should not be regarded as credible. The PCB will not comment further at this time. The Board advises stakeholders and the public to rely on official PCB communications.”
Turmoil in Pakistan cricket continues
The series loss in England triggered some knee-jerk reactions in Pakistan cricket and the latest inquiry is another addition to the extreme steps that are being taken to reportedly fix the flaws in Pakistan cricket.
During the tour, there was reportedly a breakdown in communication among captain Babar Azam, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and PCB director Aaqib Javed.
Javed even went on to blame Babar Azam for the failure of the team in a public forum after the Lord’s Test, which further created tension among the players.
Other than sending back seven players, including big names and instead sending four uncapped players as replacements for the third and final Test in Birmingham, PCB also removed bowling coach Umar Gul from his role.
MORE: Former cricketer ‘scared and worried’ to take up Pakistan coaching role
Is Imam-ul-Haq under the scanner?
The PCB spokesperson did not specifically reveal which members of the current Pakistan cricket team will be targeted during the investigation, however, opener Imam-ul-Haq could come under the scanner.
Imam grabbed the limelight for the wrong reasons during the Lord’s Test as he did not bat in either of Pakistan’s innings due to a reported calf tear.
Many in Pakistan’s cricket circle alleged that Imam has a habit of faking injuries and accused him of doing the same in some of Pakistan’s past series. Even Aaqib Javed felt Imam should have come out to bat and even described the incident as embarrassing, as he had said, “the world was laughing at us”.
For now, all eyes will be on the PCB for the next few days to find out the final outcome of the investigation and whether the board will take strict measures if anyone is found guilty.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
