PCB seeks explanation over Rizwan, Imam selections

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued show-cause notices to members of the national selection committee, seeking a written explanation over the selection of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq for the Test tours of the West Indies and England. The PCB has raised questions over the basis on which the two players were included in the squad and directed the selection committee members to explain the selection criteria, the players’ performances and other factors considered during the process. Committee members, including Aqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq, have been given 24 hours from receipt of the notices to submit their written responses. The PCB notice referred to a June 2, 2026 meeting of the selection committee, the minutes of which were submitted on July 1. The committee had been tasked with considering and selecting players for the Test squad for the West Indies and England tours. Rizwan and Imam were subsequently shortlisted on the recommendation of the committee members. The development comes amid a series of measures by the PCB following the national team’s disappointing performance in the ongoing England series. A day earlier, the board released seven players, including Rizwan and Imam, from the squad for the third Test against England in Birmingham. Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were also released from the Test squad. Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah were included in the squad. The PCB has also reshuffled the coaching staff, releasing Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul from their positions ahead of the third Test. The team will now be overseen by the white-ball coaching panel of Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke. Meanwhile, sources close to former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq said he had decided to resign from the selection committee. According to the sources, Misbah has informed the PCB of his decision and will serve a notice period before formally stepping down.

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