- Aqib, Misbah, Asad face PCB query.
- Committee asked to explain criteria.
- Members have 24 hours to respond.
Following poor performance in the ongoing Test series against England, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sought an explanation from the selection committee over the inclusion of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq.
According to a notice issued on August 31, a copy of which is available with Geo News, the committee members were asked to explain the basis and rationale for recommending the two players.
The development comes days after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat in the second Test at Lord’s, handing England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Pakistan had also lost the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs, leaving the Babar Azam-led side under significant pressure following a disappointing Test campaign.
The selection committee members, including Aqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Asad Shafiq, have been directed to submit in writing the two players’ performances, selection criteria, and other factors considered during the process.
The PCB has given the members 24 hours from receipt of the notice to submit their respective written responses.
The PCB notice specifically referred to a June 2, 2026 selection committee meeting, whose minutes were submitted on July 1, where members were tasked with considering and selecting players for the Test squad for the West Indies and England tours.
Rizwan and Imam were subsequently shortlisted upon the committee members’ recommendation.
Meanwhile, Misbah decided to resign from the selection committee, sources close to the former cricketer said. The sources privy to the development said that Misbah has informed the PCB about his decision and will serve a notice period before formally stepping down from his role.
The explanation was sought amid a series of measures taken by the PCB following the dismal performance of the national team.
A day earlier, the cricket board released seven players, including Rizwan and Imam, for the third Test scheduled to be held in Birmingham.
Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were also released from the Test squad, according to a press release issued by the cricket board.
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran, and Razaullah have been included.
The board also reshuffled the coaching staff, releasing Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul from their respective positions ahead of the third Test. The team will now be overseen by the white-ball coaching panel of Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke.
