Pakistan are reportedly set to send wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and opening batter Imam-ul-Haq back home.
After a disappointing start to their England tour, with the team suffering heavy defeats in the first two Tests. Pakistan lost the opening Test in Leeds by an innings and 103 runs before going down to England by 194 runs at Lord’s. The results have left Pakistan at the bottom of the World Test Championship points table.
According to Geo News, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to recall both Rizwan and Imam. Reports from the Pakistan media contingent in England also indicate that a high-level PCB meeting was held following the defeat at Lord’s.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, COO Sumair Ahmed, PSL CEO Salman Naseer, former Pakistan player and senior selector Aaqib Javed, and limited-overs head coach Mike Hesson were among those present at the meeting.
A PCB source claimed that Naqvi had faced pressure over the team’s poor performances and the way the side had been portrayed in the media during the tour.
“The incident of Imran Khan’s sons’ interview being aired during the second Test on Sky Sports has also upset the powers that be, but more than anything, it is the portrayal of the Pakistan team in the media and their performance that has caused concern,” the source said.
The source further claimed that both Rizwan and Imam were on their way back to Pakistan. Imam’s position is reportedly under serious scrutiny, with 23-year-old Abdullah Fazal, who has played two Tests, expected to join the squad in England.
Imam did not bat in the second Test after sustaining an injury while fielding on the opening day. However, the source claimed there were doubts within the PCB about the seriousness of the injury.
The meeting also reportedly discussed the possibility of Mike Hesson taking charge of the Test side. Hesson is expected to remain with the Pakistan team for the rest of the England tour.
His involvement could raise further questions over the future of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed as Pakistan look to arrest their alarming run of form.
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