The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opened an internal inquiry after a series of media reports suggested possible breaches of discipline and conduct within the squad that is currently on a difficult tour of England. The decision comes as the team struggles on the field, having suffered a heavy defeat at Headingley and a subsequent loss at Lord's, which left them trailing 2-0 in a three‑match Test series. In a dramatic move that shocked many observers, the PCB dispatched seven members of the touring party back home and promptly called up an equal number of replacements. The reshuffle was intended to inject fresh energy into a side that has been under immense pressure after the twin defeats.
Among the players sent home were senior figures such as all‑rounder Salman Ali Agha, who had captained the side in the opening Test before being dropped for the second, wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, and opening batsman Imam‑ul‑Haq, who missed both innings of the second Test after sustaining a mild calf strain while fielding. The coaching staff also underwent a significant overhaul. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant, Umar Gul, were relieved of their duties.
They have been replaced by Mike Hesson, who already oversees Pakistan’s limited‑overs teams, and former Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke, who has been appointed to lead the side for the third Test at Edgbaston, scheduled to begin on Wednesday. The PCB’s official statement read: "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." Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi weighed in on the saga, describing the board’s decision to overhaul the travelling party as "the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee". The criticism highlighted the magnitude of the disruption caused by the mass exodus of players and the unprecedented nature of the board’s response.
Of the seven newcomers called up, only two—batsmen Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal—have prior Test experience. The rest are relatively untested at the highest level, which adds an extra layer of uncertainty to Pakistan’s prospects at Edgbaston. The PCB’s statement also noted that it would not provide further comment at this time and urged the public and stakeholders to rely solely on official communications from the board.
Ashley Noffke, speaking to the press in Birmingham on Monday, admitted that 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 experience coaching the Pakistani white‑ball side for the past fifteen months, noting that there is often "something going on in the background" that lies beyond the players' control.
He stressed the importance of keeping the team’s attention on the cricket that lies ahead, rather than on off‑field controversies. "They need to focus on the cricket that they have in front of them and the opportunity they have in front of them," he said, adding that the coaching staff is not privy to the inner workings of the PCB’s administrative decisions. Taking over the role mid‑series, Noffke acknowledged that his appointment was unusual. "It doesn't happen very often," he remarked, "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 also they've just got back on the job." The situation underscores a broader crisis for Pakistani cricket, which has been grappling with inconsistent performances, selection controversies, and leadership instability over the past few years. The decision to send home a core group of senior players and revamp the coaching staff signals a willingness by the PCB to take bold, if disruptive, action in an attempt to salvage the series and restore confidence within the squad. Meanwhile, English fans can catch the third Test live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage beginning at 10 am BST on Wednesday, September 9 (the first ball is scheduled for 11 am).
Those without a Sky subscription can explore the latest Sky Sports deals or stream the match contract‑free via the NOW platform. The outcome of the disciplinary inquiry remains to be seen, but the PCB’s emphasis on adhering to its established procedures suggests that any further sanctions or reinstatements will be handled methodically.
For the players currently on the field, the immediate priority is to regroup, adapt to the new personnel, and strive to put a competitive performance on the scoreboard at Edgbaston despite the upheaval surrounding them.