The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opened an internal inquiry after a series of media reports raised questions about discipline and conduct within the squad during their troubled tour of England. The investigation comes on the back of a dramatic reshuffle that saw seven players sent home and an equal number of replacements called up after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord's, leaving them trailing 2-0 in the three‑match Test series. The upheaval did not stop at the playing XI. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul were also relieved of their duties.
Their vacancies have been filled by Mike Hesson, who already oversees Pakistan's white‑ball teams, and former Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke, who has been tasked with steering the side through 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 players who were sent home included senior figures such as all‑rounder 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 captain Shahid Afridi publicly condemned the board's decision, calling it "the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee".
Of the seven newcomers, only two—batsmen Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal—have prior Test experience. The rest are relatively untested at the longest format, which adds another layer of uncertainty to Pakistan's campaign. The PCB's statement concluded by saying it would not comment further at this time and urged the public and stakeholders to rely solely on official communications from the board.
When asked about the probe, Ashley Noffke, who arrived in Birmingham to take charge of the side, admitted he was not privy to the details. "I can be really honest in that I don't know too much," he told reporters.
"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 in Pakistan over the past 15 months with the white‑ball team, noting that there is often "something going on in the background" that is beyond the players' control. He emphasized that the squad must concentrate on the cricket in front of them and the opportunities they have, rather than being distracted by administrative turbulence.
"We're not really in the position to even know the outer workings of what's happening at PCB in that context," he added. He also acknowledged that stepping into a mid‑series role as part of Hesson's staff 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," Noffke said.
"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 broader context of the crisis highlights a deeper malaise within Pakistan cricket. The decision to send home a half‑dozen senior players after a string of poor performances is unprecedented in the modern era and signals a board desperate to arrest a slide in form. Critics argue that such drastic measures may undermine team cohesion, while supporters claim they are necessary to send a clear message about standards and accountability.
The third Test at Edgbaston will be a litmus test for the hastily assembled side. With the new coaching staff trying to instill confidence and the replacement players eager to prove themselves, the match offers a chance for redemption. However, the lingering questions about the internal investigation could distract both players and staff, especially if further details emerge in the media. Fans can watch the opening day of the England‑Pakistan contest live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with the first ball scheduled for 11:00 am BST on Wednesday, 9 September.
Those without a Sky subscription may explore alternative streaming options, such as NOW TV, which often provides contract‑free access to live sports. Overall, the PCB's disciplinary probe underscores the volatile nature of international cricket tours, where on‑field results can quickly spiral into off‑field controversies. How the board manages the investigation, communicates its findings, and supports the restructured squad will likely shape Pakistan's short‑term fortunes and long‑term reputation within the cricketing world.