PCB Demands Answers Over Rizwan, Imam’s Inclusion in Test Squad

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has demanded a written explanation from a member of its Selection/Advisory Committee over the inclusion of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq in Pakistan’s Test squad for the 2026 tours of the West Indies and England.

The PCB issued the notice on August 31, referring to a selection meeting held on June 2, where the committee member was tasked with helping identify and finalise players for the upcoming Test assignments.

According to the notice, Rizwan and Imam were shortlisted for the squad following recommendations made by the committee member.

The board has now sought details regarding the reasoning behind their selection, asking the member to provide the criteria used, performance assessments and other factors considered before recommending the two players.

The committee member has also been instructed to explain the decision-making process and provide clear justification for Rizwan and Imam’s inclusion in the Test squad.

The PCB has given the member 24 hours from the receipt of the notice to submit a written response, calling the matter “urgent and of utmost importance”.

The move comes as the PCB undertakes significant changes to Pakistan’s Test setup following two disappointing defeats against England. Pakistan suffered an innings-and-103-run defeat in the opening Test before losing the second match at Lord’s by 194 runs.

Following the consecutive defeats, the PCB released seven players from the squad for the third and final Test in Birmingham, with Rizwan and Imam among those sent back. Imam was also dealing with a left calf injury, while Rizwan’s release formed part of the board’s broader decision to make major changes to the squad.

The PCB also made changes to the coaching setup, removing Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul from their respective roles ahead of the final Test.

Pakistan’s Test side will now be managed by the white-ball coaching staff, with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke taking charge of the team.