Pakistan Cricket Board Orders Inquiry After Seven Players Recalled From England Tour

The mystery surrounding Pakistan’s dramatic recall of seven players from the England tour has deepened, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announcing an internal disciplinary inquiry.

Pakistan are already 2-0 down in the three-Test series, having suffered heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord’s. The recall came after the second Test, with one match still to play.

PCB media director Amir Mir said on Monday that the board had initiated an “internal disciplinary inquiry” following media reports concerning discipline and conduct. He did not disclose details, urging stakeholders to rely only on official communications.

Former Pakistan players had earlier hinted at an incident inside the dressing room that may have prompted the unprecedented action.

The PCB also sent home head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant coach Umar Gul. White-ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australia seamer Ashley Noffke will take charge for the final Test.

The seven players sent back are Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal and Mohammad Awais Jafar. Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal and five other players have been called up as replacements for the final Test.