Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Pakistan Cricket Board Opens Inquiry Amid England Tour Turmoil
Pakistan’s cricket board is investigating reports about player behavior during its tour of England.
The board has not said exactly what rule may have been broken.
It also has not named the people being investigated.
Seven players were sent home after Pakistan lost its first two matches.
Two coaches were sent home too.
New coaches are helping the team prepare for its final match.
Former players said there may have been serious problems in the team’s dressing room.
The board warned people not to believe unverified reports.
Pakistan will play England in Birmingham on September 9.
The Pakistan Cricket Board launched an internal disciplinary inquiry into media reports about discipline and conduct during Pakistan’s England tour.
The board did not specify any alleged violation or identify the individuals involved, and said it would follow standard procedures.
Seven players, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha, were recalled after Pakistan lost the first two Tests.
Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also sent home, with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke taking over their duties.
Pakistan, already 2-0 down, will face England in the third and final Test in Birmingham on September 9.
- Who
- The Pakistan Cricket Board, Pakistan’s players and coaches, former players, and England’s cricket team are involved.
- What
- The Pakistan Cricket Board launched an internal disciplinary inquiry after reports about discipline, conduct, and possible dressing-room unrest during Pakistan’s England tour.
- When
- The inquiry was announced on Monday, September 7; the third Test is scheduled to begin on September 9.
- Where
- The events concern Pakistan’s tour of England, including Tests at Headingley and Lord’s and the final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
- Why
- The inquiry followed media reports and speculation after Pakistan lost the first two Tests and recalled seven players and two coaches.
PCB’s Position
Critics and Former Players’ Views
Nature of the alleged problem
PCB’s Position
The Pakistan Cricket Board said it was reviewing media reports under its standard procedures and regulations, but did not confirm a specific violation or identify anyone involved.
Critics and Former Players’ Views
Former players and media commentators said incidents in the dressing room indicated a serious internal problem, although the reported details were not officially confirmed.
Recall of players and coaches
PCB’s Position
The board reorganized the team by sending seven players and two coaches home after consecutive defeats.
Critics and Former Players’ Views
Former players and experts criticized the administration for taking what they described as unprecedented measures during an overseas tour; Muhammad Yousuf defended the recalls as necessary to fix the team.
Reports about mobile phones
PCB’s Position
The PCB did not publicly confirm reports that players’ phones were examined, data was downloaded, or phones were held until the final Test.
Critics and Former Players’ Views
Media reports said players’ phones had reportedly been handed to the board or examined by security officers, but the identities of affected players were not disclosed.
- Inquiry
- The Pakistan Cricket Board initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry concerning discipline and conduct.
- Allegations
- The board did not specify a violation or identify the individuals involved.
- First Test
- Pakistan lost to England at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs.
- Second Test
- Pakistan lost to England at Lord’s by 194 runs.
- Players recalled
- Seven players, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha, were sent home.
- Coaching changes
- Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were sent home; Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke assumed their duties.
- Final Test
- Pakistan and England are scheduled to play in Birmingham on September 9.
- Unverified reports
- The board said speculative claims, particularly those from hostile external sources, should not be treated as credible and declined further comment.
Sources
PCB launches disciplinary inquiry following turmoil on ongoing Test tour in England
Pakistan cricket chaos deepens: Disciplinary inquiry launched after recall of 7 players
Pakistan Cricket Board probes 'conduct' after Sarfaraz Ahmed’s sacking, seven players sent home - Telegraph India
