PCB Seeks Explanation Over Imam-ul-Haq and Rizwan’s Selection for England Tour
Sports Correspondent; Imran Sohail
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought a written explanation from members of the national selection committee regarding the inclusion of Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan in Pakistan’s Test squads for the England and West Indies tours.
According to a notice issued on August 31, the selection committee members have been asked to explain the reasoning and criteria behind recommending the two players.
The notice reportedly requires committee members to provide details of the players’ performances, selection criteria, and other factors considered during the selection process.
Selection Committee Given 24 Hours
Selection committee members, including Aqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Asad Shafiq, have been directed to submit their written responses within 24 hours of receiving the notice.
The PCB referred to a selection committee meeting held on June 2, 2026, with the meeting minutes submitted on July 1. The committee had been tasked with considering players for Pakistan’s Test squads for the West Indies and England tours.
Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan were subsequently recommended as part of the squad.
PCB Makes Changes After England Tests
The development follows Pakistan’s difficult start to the three-match Test series against England.
Pakistan lost the second Test at Lord’s by 194 runs, giving England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The hosts had also won the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs.
Following the results, the PCB made several changes to the Test squad ahead of the third match in Birmingham.
Seven players, including Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, were released from the squad. Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad were also sent back.
They were replaced by Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran, and Razaullah.
Misbah-ul-Haq Reportedly Resigns
Meanwhile, sources close to former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq said he has informed the PCB of his decision to resign from the selection committee.
Misbah is expected to serve a notice period before formally leaving the position.
The PCB has also made changes to the coaching setup. Red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were released from their positions ahead of the third Test.
White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke will oversee the team for the remainder of the England Test tour.
The latest developments reflect the PCB’s efforts to reassess the national Test setup following Pakistan’s results in the ongoing series.
