The Pakistan Cricket Board has issued show-cause notices to the selection committee members, demanding they explain within 24 hours why Muhammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq were picked for the West Indies and England Test tours. The notice was sent after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the first two Tests against England. In the notice, they have been asked about the selection criteria, performance data and other factors that led to the two players being included. The board described the matter as urgent and of the highest importance, requiring a written response from the selectors. Both Imam and Rizwan were part of the seven-player group sent home midway through the England series.
Rizwan managed only 102 runs across his last seven innings while Imam scored 163 runs in his previous six. Pakistan have decided to completely change the setup after losses by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley and by 194 runs at Lord’s. Alongside the players, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also released. Selectors including Misbah-ul-Haq, Aaqib Javed and others have been asked to justify the decisions taken in a June selection meeting that finalised the squad. The board is seeking clear answers on how recent form and overall contribution were weighed before the two senior players were retained for the overseas assignments.
🚨 PCB SEEKS EXPLANATION 🚨
On behalf of Chairman Mohsin, Syed Sumair has issued a show-cause notice to selectors Aaqib, Sarfaraz, Asad Shafiq & Misbah-ul-Haq, asking why Imam & M Rizwan were selected. They have 24 hours to submit written explanations on their recent performances pic.twitter.com/BzgJ1kt9wE— Saba Shafique (@SabaShafiq01) September 1, 2026
Seven Pakistan players along with Head Coach sent back after second Test defeat against England
Pakistan’s tour of England took a dramatic turn after the second Test at Lord’s when the PCB ordered seven players to return home. The list included wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan, opener Imam-ul-Haq, all-rounder Salman Ali Agha, spinner Ali Usman, seamer Khurram Shahzad, all-rounder Aamir Jamal and batter Muhammad Awais Zafar. Five of the seven had featured in the team during the series. Rizwan had struggled for runs while Imam did not bat in the second Test due to an injury. Salman Agha had captained the side in the first Test loss and was dropped for the second Test. Usman and Shahzad were part of the bowling attack that failed to contain England at Lords. Jamal and Zafar were released without playing a single match on the tour.
The decision came hours after England sealed a 2-0 lead with a 194-run victory at Lord’s. Pakistan had already been beaten by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley. The board quickly replaced the seven with a mix of experienced and uncapped players, including Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, ahead of the final Test at Edgbaston. Pakistan Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also released and replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke. As per reports, many players learned of their removal largely through social media and official statements rather than direct communication from management.
