Pakistan reportedly decided to send Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq back from the ongoing England tour due to concerns over their behaviour. A recent PTI report claimed that the dressing-room conduct of the two senior players played a role in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to release them from the squad.
Pakistan suffered consecutive defeats in the first two Tests against England at Headingley and Lord’s. The PCB released seven players, including Imam and Rizwan, and also made changes to the coaching staff. Mike Hesson has taken temporary charge of the Test team ahead of the final match at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq Dropped Over Behaviour Issues
According to a PTI report, the Pakistan Cricket Board decided to send Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq back from England not only because of their performances. The board also considered behavioural issues in the dressing room before releasing the two senior players from the squad.
Rizwan scored 61 runs in the four innings he played on the tour and faced criticism for his shot selection during the Lord’s Test. Imam did not bat in either innings after suffering a calf strain. His decision not to bat led to questions about his commitment.
Salman Ali Agha was also released from the squad after being dropped for the second Test. He had captained Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley in Babar Azam’s absence. Rizwan, Imam and Agha are expected to appear before a committee to explain their conduct in the West Indies and England.
Mike Hesson Recommended Further Squad Changes
The other players released from the touring squad were reportedly sent home on the recommendation of interim red-ball coach Mike Hesson. The New Zealander wanted to assess some white-ball players he had previously worked with.
“The rest of the players sent back were done so on the recommendation of interim red-ball head coach Mike Hesson, who wanted to try out some players he had worked with in the white-ball camp,” a source said.
Hesson replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed as Test coach after Pakistan lost the first two Tests against England. He will oversee the team in the third and final Test at Edgbaston as Pakistan look to avoid a 3-0 series defeat.
Aaqib Javed Under Pressure as PCB Plans Clean-Up
Senior selector Aaqib Javed is reportedly at risk of losing his position. Another selector, Misbah-ul-Haq, submitted his resignation earlier this week, although it remains unclear whether the PCB has accepted it.
His resignation came after the board issued a show-cause notice to the selection committee over the inclusion of Imam and Rizwan in the Test squads for the West Indies and England tours.
The PCB has also reportedly issued notices to members of its selection and advisory committees, seeking explanations over the selection process. A new selection committee could be announced after the England tour.
Meanwhile, the PCB is considering retaining Hesson as its permanent head coach. However, the decision will depend on whether the New Zealander accepts the role. Hesson has addressed Salman Ali Agha’s absence from the meeting with King Charles III ahead of the third Test.
