PCB seeks explanation over Rizwan, Imam inclusion after Lord’s Test

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought an explanation from the selection committee over the inclusion of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq in the Test squad following Pakistan’s disappointing Test series against England.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought an explanation from the selection committee over the inclusion of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq in the Test squad following Pakistan’s disappointing Test series against England.

According to a notice issued on August 31, committee members were asked to explain the basis and logic for recommending both players.

The PCB issued the notice days after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat in the second Test at Lord’s.

Pakistan had also lost the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs, leaving the Babar Azam-led side under significant pressure following a disappointing Test campaign.

The selection committee members, including Aqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq, have been asked to submit written responses outlining the two players’ performances, selection criteria and other factors considered during the process.

The PCB has given the members 24 hours from receipt of the notice to submit their written responses.

The PCB notice specifically referred to a June 2, 2026, selection committee meeting, whose minutes were submitted on July 1. During the meeting, members were tasked with considering and selecting players for the Test squads for the West Indies and England tours.

Rizwan and Imam were shortlisted on the recommendation of the committee members.

Meanwhile, Misbah-ul-Haq has decided to resign from the selection committee, sources close to the former cricketer said.

A day earlier, the cricket board released seven players, including Rizwan and Imam, from the squad for the third Test scheduled to be held in Birmingham.

Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were also released from the Test squad, according to the cricket board.

Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah have been included in the squad.

The board also reshuffled the coaching staff, releasing Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul from their respective positions ahead of the third Test. The team will now be overseen by the white-ball coaching panel of Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke.