The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched an internal disciplinary inquiry following reports concerning discipline and conduct.
The development comes amid media reports about former Test players Imamul Haq and Mohammad Rizwan.
PCB media director Amir Mir confirmed the inquiry on Monday. However, the board did not name either player in its official statement.
“The PCB has initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct, which are currently being reviewed internally,” he said.
“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,” he added.
The PCB has not disclosed the exact nature of the inquiry. It also has not confirmed specific claims circulating about Imam and Rizwan.
PCB Cautions Against Unverified Claims
The development follows reports alleging that investigations involving Imam and Rizwan had been widened.
According to those reports, the PCB obtained data from the players’ mobile phones during Pakistan’s stay in London.
The reports claimed that the team’s security officer took possession of their phones after Pakistan’s defeat at Lord’s.
Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat against England in the second Test at the venue.
The phones were reportedly returned several hours later. Their data was allegedly transferred elsewhere during that period.
However, the PCB has not confirmed that it took possession of the phones. It has also not confirmed that it obtained their data.
The board’s media director instead cautioned against treating unverified claims as established facts.
“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,” he said.
The PCB declined to provide further details while the internal process remains underway.
The board also said stakeholders and the public should rely on official PCB communications regarding the matter.
Inquiry Adds to Pakistan Test Team Turmoil
The inquiry comes during a difficult period for Pakistan’s Test team.
Pakistan suffered two heavy defeats against England in the opening matches of the three-Test series.
England first defeated Pakistan at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs.
The hosts then secured a 194-run victory at Lord’s. As a result, England took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Following the defeats, the PCB made sweeping changes to the Test squad.
The board released seven players from the squad ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston.
Imam and Rizwan were among the players released from the squad.
The PCB also replaced red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed with Mike Hesson on an interim basis.
Imam’s Lord’s Absence Had Already Drawn Attention
Imam’s absence from the Lord’s Test had already attracted scrutiny.
The opener suffered what was described as a low-grade calf strain while fielding on the opening day.
As a result, he did not bat in either innings during the Test.
Pakistan were dismissed for 110 in their first innings. They were then bowled out for 194 in the second innings.
The result eventually handed England another comprehensive victory.
Aaqib Javed, a member of the national selection committee and PCB high-performance director, later called for an inquiry into the matter.
However, the PCB’s latest statement has not specifically linked the internal disciplinary inquiry to Imam’s injury.
The board has also not named Rizwan in connection with any specific allegation.
PCB Yet to Reveal Details of Inquiry
For now, the PCB has provided limited details about the ongoing process.
The board confirmed that it is reviewing matters related to discipline and conduct under its regulations.
However, it has not disclosed the individuals involved or the specific allegations being examined.
The PCB has also urged caution over claims that have not been officially verified.
Therefore, details circulating about the players should not be treated as confirmed unless the board officially establishes them.
The inquiry is now another development surrounding Pakistan’s Test setup after a difficult series against England.
Meanwhile, the third and final Test is scheduled to begin at Edgbaston on Wednesday.
The PCB has indicated that further details will not be provided while the internal process remains underway.
For now, the board’s official position remains limited to confirming the disciplinary inquiry and its ongoing review of discipline and conduct.
