Pakistan Cricket Board Opens Discipline Inquiry During England Tour

The Pakistan Cricket Board has opened an internal inquiry following media reports about discipline and conduct during the national team's tour of England, according to a PCB statement reported by BBC Sport on Monday. The board did not identify any player, coach or incident as the focus of the process, leaving the scope and possible outcome unspecified.

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The inquiry comes during a heavily disrupted Test series in which Pakistan trail England 2-0 with one match remaining. BBC Sport reported that Pakistan sent seven players home last week and summoned seven replacements. The touring side also changed its leadership, replacing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed with New Zealander Mike Hesson before the final Test.

Pakistan's off-field difficulties had already become public during the second Test at Lord's. According to the BBC report, the tourists threatened to abandon the rest of the match and tour over a Sky interview with former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan, who is in prison. The match continued, but the episode added to an unsettled trip.

In its statement, the PCB said the inquiry was being handled under its regulations and standard procedures, with consideration given to everyone concerned. It also cautioned against unverified claims, referring to speculative reporting from what it called hostile external sources. The board said it would make no further comment at this stage and asked the public to rely on official communications.

The personnel overhaul included experienced batter Salman Ali Agha, batter Imam-ul-Haq and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan among those omitted from the original touring party. BBC Sport said Hesson had rejected reports that Salman refused to attend a meeting with King Charles at Clarence House. Hesson also disputed suggestions that two replacement players, Mohammad Imran and Mohammad Imran Jr, were selected because their similar names caused confusion.

Australian Ashley Noffke has also joined the coaching staff in place of fast-bowling coach Umar Gul. Speaking at Edgbaston on Monday, Noffke said he did not know the details of the inquiry and was outside the relevant decision-making structure. Pakistan are due to play the final Test at Edgbaston from Wednesday, seeking to prevent England from completing a 3-0 series sweep while the board's internal process continues.