PCB Sends Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan Home Over Discipline Issues

When Pakistan’s squad landed in England earlier this month, most fans expected a thrilling comeback against the hosts. Instead, the headlines this week were about two of the team’s biggest names being sent packing.

According to a PTI report, wicket‑keeper‑batter Mohammad Rizwan and opening‑batsman Imam‑ul‑Haq were recalled to Pakistan not merely because they struggled with form – Rizwan managed a meagre 61 runs across four innings – but because of what the board described as “disciplinary concerns” inside the dressing room.

Rizwan’s recent innings have indeed raised eyebrows. In the Lord’s Test his shot selection looked tentative, and his read of the game was questioned by a few pundits. Meanwhile, Imam‑ul‑Haq never even stepped onto the pitch – a calf‑strain kept him sidelined, sparking a flurry of social‑media speculation about his commitment.

It wasn’t just the two of them, though. The PCB also recalled all‑rounder Salman Ali Agha, and insiders say interim red‑ball coach Mike Hesson recommended the move to give a chance to younger players he’d worked with in the white‑ball camp.

Behind the scenes, the board has started a pretty serious clean‑up. Notices have been sent to members of the selection and advisory committees, demanding explanations for why Imam and Rizwan were picked in the first place and what criteria were used. A source hinted that a fresh selection panel might be installed after the England series.

Further, the PCB plans to summon Rizwan, Imam and Agha before a disciplinary committee to hear them out about alleged incidents on the West Indies and England tours. The same source suggested senior selector Aaqib Javed could be shown the door as part of a broader shake‑up, especially after Misbah‑ul‑Haq’s recent resignation – which, by the way, the board has yet to formally accept.

Fans are left wondering how much of this is about performance versus personality. Whatever the answer, the episode has reignited debates about transparency in Pakistan cricket’s selection policies and the importance of maintaining a professional dressing‑room culture.