The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opened an internal inquiry after a wave of media stories raised questions about discipline and conduct within the squad during what has become a highly turbulent tour of England. The investigation follows a series of dramatic moves by the board, including the unprecedented decision to send seven senior players home and summon an equal number of replacements after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord's, leaving the side trailing 2-0 in a three‑match Test series.
The upheaval did not stop at the playing XI. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was dismissed, and his assistant Umar Gul was also removed from his role. In their place, the board appointed Mike Hesson, who already oversees Pakistan's white‑ball teams, to take charge of the Test side, while former Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke was tasked with overseeing the third Test at Edgbaston, scheduled to begin on Wednesday.
In a formal statement the PCB said: "The Pakistan Cricket Board has initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct, which are currently being reviewed internally. 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.
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." The statement made it clear that the board would not comment further at this stage and urged fans, journalists and other stakeholders to rely only on official PCB communications for accurate information. Among the senior players who were sent home were Salman Ali Agha – who had captained Pakistan in the first Test before being dropped for the second – wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan and top‑order batsman Imam-ul‑Haq, who missed both innings after sustaining a low‑grade calf strain while fielding. Former captain Shahid Afridi slammed the board's sweeping changes, calling them "the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee". Of the seven newcomers called up, only two – Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal – have prior Test experience.
The rest are relatively untested at the highest level, adding another layer of uncertainty to a side already grappling with confidence issues. Ashley Noffke, speaking to the media in Birmingham on Monday, admitted he was not fully briefed on the specifics of the disciplinary probe. "I can be really honest in that I don't know too much," he said.
"I sit outside of that decision‑making model, which is above us as coaches. We try and keep the players focused on what they need to worry about." Noffke reflected on his time coaching in Pakistan, noting that there is often "something going on in the background" that is beyond the players' control. He emphasized that the primary task for the coaching staff is to keep the squad focused on the cricket in front of them and the opportunities that remain, rather than getting distracted by administrative or political issues within the PCB.
He also acknowledged that his mid‑series appointment was unusual. "It doesn't happen very often and I guess from Mike and my perspective all we can do is come in and add positivity. We want to listen to the players as much as we can, so there's obviously a feeling of uncertainty but also they've just got back on the job," Noffke explained. The broader context of this crisis is worth noting.
Pakistan's tour of England began with high expectations, but the team quickly found itself outclassed on the green pitches of Headingley and the swinging conditions at Lord's. The 2‑0 deficit placed enormous pressure on the management, prompting a reaction that many observers described as knee‑jerk. The decision to overhaul the travelling party mid‑series is virtually unheard of in modern cricket and has raised questions about the board's governance, the role of player welfare, and the influence of external pressures such as media scrutiny and fan sentiment. Critics argue that sending home senior players like Rizwan and Imam-ul‑Haq could undermine team morale and disrupt the continuity needed for a successful Test campaign.
Supporters of the board's move contend that a fresh set of faces might inject new energy and reduce the psychological burden that has been weighing on the squad. The upcoming third Test at Edgbaston will therefore be a litmus test for the new leadership and the replacement players. If the side can produce a competitive performance, it may validate the PCB's drastic measures. Conversely, a continued struggle could deepen the crisis and force further introspection about selection policies, coaching structures, and the overall strategic direction of Pakistan cricket.
Fans can watch day one of the England‑Pakistan third Test live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with the first ball scheduled for 11 a.m. UK time on Wednesday, September 9. For those without a Sky subscription, the board has suggested checking the latest streaming deals or using the NOW platform to watch the match without a contract.
In summary, the PCB's internal disciplinary inquiry is a direct response to a wave of media speculation about conduct issues within the team. While the exact nature of the alleged misconduct remains undisclosed, the board is emphasizing procedural fairness and urging the public to disregard unverified rumors. The combination of coaching changes, a reshuffled squad, and a high‑stakes Test at Edgbaston creates a volatile environment that will test the resilience of Pakistan cricket and the effectiveness of the PCB's crisis management strategy.