Pakistan investigate ‘discipline and conduct’ during turbulent England tour

Pakistan’s turbulent tour of England has taken another turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board opening an internal inquiry into “discipline and conduct.” The investigation follows media reports that the board said it was reviewing internally under its standard procedures.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board has initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct, which are currently being reviewed internally.

The PCB said the process would give all concerned individuals due consideration. It also dismissed circulating claims as speculative reports from hostile external sources and told stakeholders and the public to rely on official board communications.

The inquiry comes as Pakistan trail 2-0 in the three-match Test series. Last week, the team sent seven players home, called up seven replacements and replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed with New Zealander Mike Hesson. Three experienced players, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan, had been dropped before Hesson took charge.

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At this stage, any speculative reports or unverified claims circulating on certain platforms, particularly those originating from hostile external sources, should not be regarded as credible.

The tour was also disrupted during the second Test at Lord’s, when Pakistan threatened to cancel the rest of the match and tour over a Sky interview with imprisoned former prime minister and captain Imran Khan. Hesson rejected reports that Salman refused to attend a meeting with King Charles and denied suggestions that two players with similar names were called up because the PCB had become confused.

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I don't know too much. I sit outside that decision-making model, above us as coaches.

Speaking before Wednesday’s final Test at Edgbaston, Australian assistant coach Ashley Noffke said he knew little about the inquiry. “I don't know too much. I sit outside that decision-making model, above us as coaches,” he said. He added that events at the PCB were usually outside the players’ control and that coaches were not in a position to know the board’s internal workings.

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I guess that's one thing I've learned about being in Pakistan and coaching for a period of time, nearly 15 months with the white-ball team - there's always something going on in the background.