LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought a written explanation from the national selection committee over the selection of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq for Pakistan’s Test tours of England and the West Indies.
According to a notice issued on August 31 and seen by Geo News, the PCB has asked selection committee members to explain the basis and rationale behind recommending the two players for the Test squad.
The development comes after Pakistan suffered a heavy 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord’s, conceding an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Pakistan had also lost the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs, putting the national side under significant pressure following a disappointing campaign in England.
PCB asks selection committee to justify picks
The selection committee members, including Aqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq, have been directed to provide written details regarding the performances of Rizwan and Imam, the selection criteria applied and other factors considered before their inclusion.
The PCB has given the committee members 24 hours from the receipt of the notice to submit their responses.
The notice also referred to a June 2, 2026 meeting of the selection committee, with its minutes submitted on July 1. The meeting focused on selecting players for Pakistan’s Test squads for the tours of the West Indies and England.
Rizwan and Imam were subsequently shortlisted on the recommendation of the committee members.
Misbah-ul-Haq resigns from selection committee
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has decided to resign from the selection committee, sources close to the cricketer said.
According to the sources, Misbah has informed the PCB of his decision and will serve his notice period before formally stepping down.
Pakistan release seven players, two coaches ahead of third England Test
The explanation sought from the selection committee is part of a series of measures taken by the PCB following Pakistan’s poor performance in the ongoing Test series.
Seven players released ahead of Birmingham Test
A day earlier, the PCB released seven players, including Rizwan and Imam, from Pakistan’s Test squad ahead of the third Test against England in Birmingham.
The other players released were Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.
The PCB replaced them with Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.
The board also made changes to the coaching staff, releasing Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul ahead of the third Test.
The team will now be overseen by the white-ball coaching panel of Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke for the Birmingham Test.
