The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opened an internal inquiry into recent media stories about discipline and conduct as the national side endures a chaotic tour of England. The probe comes after a dramatic reshuffle that saw seven players sent home and an equal number of replacements called up following heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord's, which left Pakistan trailing 2-0 in the three‑match Test series.
In addition to the player turnover, the PCB has also replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul. Mike Hesson, who currently oversees Pakistan's limited‑overs squads, has been tasked with leading the team, while former Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke has been appointed to supervise the third Test at Edgbaston, scheduled to begin on Wednesday. The board issued a statement saying, "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." Among the senior players who were excluded were Salman Ali Agha – who captained Pakistan in the first Test before being dropped for the second – wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan and opening batsman Imam‑ul‑Haq, who missed both innings after sustaining a minor calf strain while fielding. Former captain Shahid Afridi slammed the sweeping changes, calling them "the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee." Of the seven newcomers, only Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal have previous Test experience; the rest are largely untested at the highest level.
The PCB added that it would not provide further comment at this stage and urged fans and stakeholders to rely solely on official communications from the board. When asked about the investigation in Birmingham, Noffke admitted he was not privy to the details. "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." He reflected on his 15‑month stint with Pakistan's white‑ball side, noting that there is always something happening behind the scenes that is beyond the players' control. "They need to focus on the cricket that they have in front of them and the opportunity they have in front of them," Noffke added. "We're not really in the position to even know the outer workings of what's happening at PCB in that context." Noffke also acknowledged that stepping into the role mid‑series as part of Hesson's coaching staff was unusual.
"It doesn't happen very often and, from Mike's and my perspective, all we can do is come in and add positivity," he explained. "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." The situation has left the Pakistan camp under intense scrutiny. The decision to send home established players such as Rizwan – a key figure behind the stumps and a prolific run‑scorer in limited‑overs cricket – was particularly surprising given his experience and leadership qualities. Imam‑ul‑Haq's injury, while minor, further complicated the batting order, forcing the selectors to gamble on relatively untested talent.
Cricket analysts have pointed out that the abrupt changes could either galvanise the side or exacerbate existing morale issues. Some suggest that the fresh faces may bring renewed energy and a sense of urgency, while others warn that a lack of cohesion could undermine performance against a strong England side, especially on a venue like Edgbaston where the home team traditionally enjoys a significant advantage. The PCB's handling of the disciplinary matter has also drawn criticism.
Observers note that the board's vague language – referring to "hostile external sources" and "speculative reports" – may be an attempt to deflect attention from deeper structural problems within Pakistan cricket, such as governance disputes, player‑board relations, and the pressure of performing in foreign conditions. Meanwhile, fans worldwide can follow the third Test live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with the first ball scheduled for 11 a.m. BST on September 9.
For those without a Sky subscription, the board recommends checking the latest Sky Sports deals or streaming the match contract‑free via NOW. As the series reaches its climax, the eyes of the cricketing world remain fixed on how Pakistan navigates this turbulent period. Will the new coaching staff and the influx of fresh talent manage to turn the tide, or will the disciplinary cloud continue to loom over the team?
The answer will unfold over the next few days at Edgbaston, where every run, wicket and decision will be dissected by pundits and supporters alike.