PCB Seeks Explanation Over Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq Selection

For context, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought a written explanation from a member of its Selection/Advisory Committee over the selection of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq for Pakistan's Test squad for the 2026 tours of the West Indies and England.

Key points

• Pakistan lost the first Test by an innings and 103 runs before suffering a 194-run defeat in the second Test at Lord's.
• Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.
• The PCB afterwards issued seven players, including Rizwan and Imam, from the Test squad ahead of the third and final Test in Birmingham.
• The board additionally reshuffled the coaching staff, releasing Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul from their respective roles ahead of the third Test.
• Pakistan's Test team will now be overseen by the white-ball coaching panel of Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke.

According to a notice issued by the PCB on August 31, the committee member took part in a selection session held on June 2, where members were tasked with considering and selecting players for Pakistan's Test squad for the two series. Misbah-ul-Haq Resigns from PCB Selection Committee.

In practice, the notice states that Rizwan and Imam were shortlisted for the squad based on the committee member's recommendation.

Notably, the PCB has now asked the member to explain the basis and rationale behind the selection of both players, including the selection criteria, their performances, and any other factors considered during the process.

Meanwhile, the board has additionally directed the member to clearly outline the reasons for selecting Rizwan and Imam and explain the process that led to the final decision.

Meanwhile, the written response must be submitted within 24 hours of receiving the notice. The PCB described the matter as "urgent and of utmost importance."

In practice, the development comes against the backdrop of a major overhaul of Pakistan's Test setup after back-to-back heavy defeats against England.

Pakistan lost the first Test by an innings and 103 runs before suffering a 194-run defeat in the second Test at Lord's. Mohammad Yousuf Reveals Major Reason Behind Pakistan Cricket's Decline.

Notably, the PCB afterwards issued seven players, including Rizwan and Imam, from the Test squad ahead of the third and final Test in Birmingham.

While Rizwan was among the senior players sent home as part of the sweeping changes, imam was additionally issued due to a left calf injury.

For context, the board additionally reshuffled the coaching staff, releasing Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul from their respective roles ahead of the third Test.

Pakistan's Test team will now be overseen by the white-ball coaching panel of Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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For now, PCB Seeks Explanation Over Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.