The ghost of match-fixing has once again begun hovering over Pakistan cricket, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) making sweeping changes during the ongoing three-match Test series against England. The drastic reshuffle came after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat in the second Test at Lord’s and fell 2-0 behind in the series.
Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Zafar were dropped from the squad, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also released from their positions.
Seven players have been brought in as replacements, including five yet to make their international debuts. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal are the two capped players, while Razaullah Khan, Mohammad Imran, Arafat Minhas, Saad Baig and Mohammad Imran Junior form the uncapped group.
The scale of the changes has led to questions over whether the decisions were based purely on Pakistan’s poor performances. It has been learnt that the reasons behind the upheaval were “more than cricket”, although no specific allegations have been established publicly.
The PCB has begun an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct. Amir Mir, the board’s Director of Media and Digital Communications, said the matter was being reviewed under PCB regulations and that all concerned individuals would be given due consideration.
According to a report, some players’ mobile phones have also been handed over to the PCB and will remain in the board’s custody until the conclusion of the third Test. The report did not identify the players involved, while the PCB has not publicly explained why the devices were confiscated.
The developments have added another layer of uncertainty to a Pakistan side already struggling on the field. A couple of days after the squad changes, PCB Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed publicly criticised Imam-ul-Haq, who suffered a low-grade calf tear during the Lord’s Test.
Imam did not bat in either innings after sustaining the injury, prompting Aaqib to question the circumstances and say that he would “take action” against the opener.
The PCB and England and Wales Cricket Board were approached for comment regarding the developments, but no response was received.
For now, there is no confirmed evidence linking any player to match-fixing. The PCB’s disciplinary inquiry remains ongoing, and its findings could determine whether the extraordinary changes made during the England series were simply a response to disciplinary concerns or part of a much deeper crisis within Pakistan cricket.
