The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opened a formal inquiry into recent media reports that allege breaches of discipline and conduct within the national side, a move that comes as the team endures a turbulent series in England. The investigation follows a dramatic reshuffle of the squad after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord's, leaving the three‑match Test series at a 2‑0 deficit.
In an unprecedented decision, the board sent seven senior players home and summoned an equal number of replacements, while also replacing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul. The newly appointed coaching staff now includes Mike Hesson, who oversees Pakistan's white‑ball teams, and former Australian fast‑bowler Ashley Noffke, who has been tasked with leading the side for the third Test at Edgbaston starting Wednesday.
The PCB issued a statement confirming that an internal disciplinary inquiry has been launched in response to the circulating media stories. The board emphasized that the matter will be handled according to its established procedures and that all individuals involved will be given a fair hearing under PCB regulations. It warned that speculative or unverified reports, especially those originating from hostile external sources, should not be taken as reliable. Among the players sent home were senior figures such as Salman Ali Agha, who captained the side 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 minor calf strain while fielding.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi condemned the sweeping changes, calling them "the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee". The seven newcomers include only two with prior Test experience – batsmen Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal – while the rest are making their debut at the longest format. This influx of fresh faces underscores the urgency with which the PCB is trying to stabilise the team and restore confidence ahead of the decisive match at Edgbaston. Noffke, speaking to the press in Birmingham, 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 to keep the players focused on what they need to worry about." He added that coaching Pakistan for almost 15 months with the white‑ball side has taught him that there is always something happening behind the scenes, often beyond the players' control. "They need to focus on the cricket in front of them and the opportunity they have," Noffke explained, stressing that the coaching staff is not privy to the internal workings of the PCB.
He also noted that stepping into a mid‑series role as part of Hesson's staff is unusual. "It doesn't happen very often," Noffke said, "and from Mike's 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 they've just got back on the job." The coaching duo hopes to provide stability and a clear game plan for the remaining Test, while the board's investigation proceeds behind the scenes. The PCB's statement concluded by stating that no further comments would be made at this stage and that stakeholders and the public should rely solely on official PCB communications for accurate information. This call for patience reflects the board's desire to manage the narrative carefully while addressing any potential misconduct within the camp.
The third Test at Edgbaston, scheduled to begin at 10 am local time on Wednesday, September 9 (11 am for the first ball), will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event. For viewers without a Sky subscription, streaming options are available through NOW with a contract‑free deal. The match offers Pakistan a chance to halt the series slide and demonstrate that the recent upheaval, both on and off the field, can be turned into a catalyst for renewed performance and team cohesion.