PCB has serious concerns over Rizwan, Imam could face 2-year ban

Pakistan cricket has been plunged deeper into controversy, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly considering strict action against wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq following their release from the ongoing England Test tour.

According to sources, the PCB has serious concerns over Rizwan’s conduct and is expected to seek an explanation from him in the coming days. The development comes after the board made sweeping changes to Pakistan’s Test squad following heavy defeats in the first two matches against England.

Seven players, including Rizwan and Imam, were sent back to Pakistan ahead of the third Test. The PCB also replaced Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed with white-ball coach Mike Hesson as part of the mid-series overhaul.

Imam’s case, meanwhile, appears to be attracting even greater scrutiny. The left-handed opener suffered a low-grade calf strain while fielding during the opening day of the Lord’s Test, according to the PCB’s official medical update.

However, questions were raised after Imam did not bat in either innings of Pakistan’s 194-run defeat. Senior selector Aaqib Javed has called for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the injury, questioning why the opener was unable to bat despite the nature of the reported muscle problem.

Sources cited in the report claim that Imam could face a ban ranging from one to two years if the investigation establishes serious wrongdoing. Such a penalty, however, would depend on the findings of the inquiry and any disciplinary process that follows.

Rizwan’s future also remains uncertain. Sources say the PCB is currently unhappy with his discipline and that he may not be considered for a Pakistan side in the immediate future.

The developments mark another dramatic chapter in Pakistan cricket, with the board now under pressure to restore discipline, transparency and stability within the national setup.