Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan dropped from Pakistan's squad for 3rd Test vs ENG (Source: AFP)
Pakistan Cricket has once again been surrounded by several controversies following a disappointing start to the ongoing England tour.
After suffering heavy defeats in the first two Tests, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made major changes to the squad ahead of the third and final Test. Among the biggest names sent back home were Mohammad Rizwan, for his lean patch, and Imam-ul-Haq, for poor form and injury concerns.
Last week, PCB released seven players and two coaches from the England tour, but fresh details about the decision continue to emerge.
Why Did PCB Drop Mohammad Rizwan And Imam-ul-Haq From Test squad? Real Reason Out
Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq were two of the senior players asked to return to Pakistan. While their performances and fitness had already attracted criticism, a fresh report by news agency PTI claimed that their removal was not based only on cricketing reasons.
According to the report, behavioural issues inside the dressing room also contributed to the decision.
"Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan, along with Salman Ali Agha, are reportedly expected to appear before a committee to explain their conduct in connection with certain incidents during the West Indies and England tours." the report stated.
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Rizwan had a difficult series with the bat, and his shot selection during the Lord's Test also came under serious criticism. It is important to mention that in four innings he managed just 61 runs at a poor average of 15.25 and a strike rate of 70.11.
Imam-ul-Haq's situation was different. The opener did not bat in either innings at Lord’s after suffering a low-grade calf tear. However, his decision not to take the field with the bat led to questions about his fitness and commitment.
In the series, he has managed to make just 42 runs in two innings at an average of 21.
It is important to mention that Imam has also been questioned, and allegations have been raised against him, stating that he might be faking an injury.
PCB To Ban Imam-ul-Haq; Take Major Step
With so much going around Imam-ul-Haq, there are also reports that the PCB will investigate questions raised about his fake injury, and there are also chances that he might be banned.
If the claims of 'Fake Injury' are confirmed through proper reports, there is a high chance that Pakistan's star player might be banned for a minimum of one year or a maximum of two years.
PCB Makes Major Changes Ahead Of 3rd Test Against England
The PCB has responded to Pakistan’s poor results by making sweeping changes before the Edgbaston Test.
Seven players, Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad have been released from the squad.
The coaching staff has also been reshuffled. Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been released, while white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke will oversee the team for the third Test.
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