An internal investigation into “media reports concerning discipline and conduct” has been launched by Pakistan amid their crisis tour of England.
It follows an unprecedented move last week in which seven players were sent home and seven replacements called up after heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord’s left the touring side 2-0 down in the three-match series.
Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul have also been replaced, with Mike Hesson, in charge of Pakistan’s white-ball sides, and former Australia seamer Ashley Noffke supervising the final Test at Edgbaston this week.
A statement read: “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 dismissed senior players include Salman Ali Agha – who served as captain for Pakistan in the opening Test prior to being dropped for the second – wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, who did not bat in either innings because of a low-grade calf strain.
Former captain Shahid Afridi called the decision by the PCB to make such extensive squad alterations the “most shocking decision ever by a selection committee”.
Among the seven replacement players called up, only batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal have Test experience.
Monday’s statement from the PCB added: “The PCB will not comment further at this time. The board advises stakeholders and the public to rely on official PCB communications.”
Speaking to reporters in Birmingham on Monday, Noffke admitted he was unaware of the details regarding the probe.
“I can be really honest in that I don’t know too much,” he said. “I sit outside of that decision-making model, (which is) above us as coaches. We try and keep the players focused on what they need to worry about.
“One thing that I’ve learned about being in Pakistan and coaching for a period of time, nearly 15 months now with the white-ball team, is there’s always something going on in the background.
“I think most of the time it’s out of the players’ control. They need to focus on the cricket that they have in front of them and the opportunity they have in front of them.
“We’re not really in the position to even know the outer workings of what’s happening at PCB in that context.”
