Archive · 2 Sep 2026
PCB Questions Selectors Over Imam-ul-Haq, Rizwan Tour Picks
The Pakistan Cricket Board asked its cricket selectors to explain two player selections.
The players are Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan.
The selectors must provide their explanation within 24 hours.
The board wants to know what rules and performances they considered.
Both players were later sent home from Pakistan’s England tour.
Five other players were also recalled.
Pakistan changed its squad and coaching staff before the last Test match.
The changes came after Pakistan lost heavily to England and fell 2-0 behind in the series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board issued show-cause notices to selection committee members over the selection of Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan.
Selectors were given 24 hours to explain their criteria, performance assessments and other factors behind the picks.
Both players were among seven recalled from Pakistan’s England tour before the final Test in Birmingham.
The PCB also announced coaching changes, including the dismissal of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, according to the report.
The action followed Pakistan’s 194-run loss to England at Lord’s, leaving the team 0-2 down in the series.
- Who
- The Pakistan Cricket Board and its selection committee, including Aaqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq.
- What
- The PCB issued show-cause notices seeking explanations for selecting Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan for the West Indies and England tour squads.
- When
- The notices were issued on Wednesday, with selectors given 24 hours to respond; the final Test was scheduled to begin on September 9.
- Where
- The dispute concerns Pakistan’s squads for tours of the West Indies and England, with the final Test set for Birmingham.
- Why
- The PCB requested the rationale, selection criteria and performance considerations behind the two selections, amid squad changes after Pakistan’s 194-run defeat to England.
PCB Oversight
Selection Committee Judgment
Basis for player selections
PCB Oversight
The PCB demanded a formal explanation of the criteria, performances and other factors used to select Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan.
Selection Committee Judgment
The selection committee had made the original squad choices, but the article does not report its response or defense.
Role of senior officials
PCB Oversight
The notices reflect the PCB’s decision to directly question the committee’s judgment during a period of major changes in Pakistan cricket.
Selection Committee Judgment
The article notes that selection decisions in Pakistan have historically been challenged or influenced by senior cricket figures.
- Players questioned
- Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan
- Response deadline
- Selectors were given 24 hours to explain the selections.
- Selection committee
- Aaqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq
- Players recalled
- Seven players, including Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan, were sent home from the England tour.
- Final Test
- The third Test against England was scheduled to begin in Birmingham on September 9.
- Series position
- Pakistan were 0-2 down after a 194-run defeat to England at Lord’s.
- Reported resignation
- Misbah-ul-Haq was reported to have resigned from the selection committee, although the resignation had reportedly not been accepted.