Following poor performances in the ongoing Test series against England, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought an explanation from the selection committee regarding the inclusion of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq. According to a notice issued on August 31, a copy of which is available with the board, 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. 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 within 24 hours of receiving the notice.
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 selecting players for the Test squad for the West Indies and England tours. Rizwan and Imam were subsequently shortlisted upon the committee's recommendation.
Meanwhile, sources close to Misbah-ul-Haq said the former cricketer has decided to resign from the selection committee, informing the PCB and agreeing to serve a notice period before formally stepping down.
The explanation was sought amid a series of sweeping measures following the national team's dismal run. A day earlier, the board released seven players, including Rizwan and Imam, for the third Test in Birmingham. Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad were also dropped from the Test squad, while Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran, and Razaullah were included.
The board also reshuffled the coaching staff, releasing Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul from their positions ahead of the third Test, with the team now to be overseen by the white-ball coaching panel of Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke.