Pakistan’s cricket crisis has taken another unexpected turn. A report says Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq were sent home from England over alleged behavioural issues, and not just because of their poor performances.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made a major change after Pakistan lost the first two Tests against England. The board sent seven players and two coaches back to Pakistan. It also changed the coaching setup before the third and final Test at Edgbaston.

The senior players sent home included Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha. This decision surprised many because Rizwan and Imam were part of Pakistan’s Test plans. Agha had also led the team in the first Test.

Now, a PTI report suggests that poor form may not have been the only reason.

Behavioural issues reportedly played a role

Mohammad Rizwan did not have a good series with the bat. He scored only 61 runs across four innings, and his shot selection in the Lord’s Test faced criticism.

However, the latest report says Rizwan’s removal was not based only on his poor form.

The report also raises questions about Imam. The left-handed opener could not bat in either innings of the Lord’s Test because of a calf injury. Pakistan played with one batter less and lost the Test by 194 runs.

The PCB confirmed that Imam suffered a low-grade left calf strain while fielding on the first day.

However, his injury soon became a talking point.

According to PTI, Mohammad Rizwan, Imam ul Haq and Salman Ali Agha are expected to appear before a committee. They may have to explain their conduct over some incidents during Pakistan’s tours of the West Indies and England.

This suggests the PCB’s decision may involve more than poor performances.

Why were the other players sent home?

The report says that not all players sent back to Pakistan faced disciplinary issues.

Interim red-ball head coach Mike Hesson reportedly suggested sending the other players home. He wanted to give chances to some white-ball players he had worked with before.

However, Hesson said that he was not involved in the original decision to release Rizwan, Imam and Agha. The PCB had already decided before Hesson took charge of the red-ball team.

This is important because Pakistan made these changes in the middle of the series.

Pakistan had already lost both Tests. England won the first Test by an innings and 103 runs. They then won the Lord’s Test by 194 runs.

With the third Test approaching, Pakistan are now making major squad changes during an overseas series.

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The Imam-ul-Haq injury controversy adds another layer

Imam’s case has received more attention because he has faced injury questions before.

During the Lord’s Test, Imam was seen on the sidelines wearing shorts and tape around his injured calf while appearing to limp during a training session.

Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad strongly criticised the way the incident played out. He said Imam could have recovered away from public view.

However, the PCB has officially confirmed Imam’s calf strain. There is no confirmed evidence that he faked his latest injury.

The controversy comes mainly from questions raised by former players, selectors and reports about his conduct.

The old New Zealand controversy has returned

The latest situation has also brought back an older controversy from Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in 2025.

According to reports, a PCB inquiry looked into claims that Imam had exaggerated or fabricated an injury to avoid playing. The inquiry reportedly suggested strict punishment, including a possible ban.

However, the PCB did not ban Imam, and he continued to play for Pakistan.

One unusual detail involved a dark mark on Imam’s toe. Reports said investigators thought it could be ink or a marker instead of blood. The mark reportedly disappeared after a team doctor cleaned it.

Imam denied using anything artificial, but the inquiry reportedly questioned his explanation.

The committee allegedly found little medical evidence to support his withdrawal from an ODI. It also accused him of giving a false picture of his condition.

These are reported allegations and not facts.

The old controversy is one reason the latest Lord’s incident has received so much attention.

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Aaqib Javed also under pressure

The problems have also reached the selection committee.

Pakistan’s senior selector Aaqib Javed could reportedly be removed from the selection committee. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is considering wider changes.

Javed had also called for an inquiry into Imam’s injury. He questioned how a player with a muscle injury could potentially miss both innings.

Meanwhile, Misbah-ul-Haq has resigned from the selection committee. However, reports say it is still unclear whether the PCB has formally accepted his resignation.

The selection committee had also received a show-cause notice over the decision to include Imam and Rizwan in Pakistan’s Test squads for the West Indies and England tours.

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Pakistan’s bigger problem goes beyond Mohammad Rizwan and Imam ul Haq

The Rizwan-Imam controversy is only one part of Pakistan cricket’s bigger problems.

Pakistan have suffered heavy defeats. The team has also gone through a mid-series squad overhaul and changed its red-ball coaching setup.

There are also questions about player selection, injuries and discipline within the team.

Hesson is reportedly being considered for the permanent head coach role. However, he must agree to take the job.

If he does not accept, the PCB is expected to appoint another coach before Pakistan’s home series against Sri Lanka in November.

For now, Pakistan’s focus will be on the third Test against England.

The big question is whether Pakistan can use this crisis to make a fresh start or whether more changes will create even more problems.

What do you think? Could Pakistan’s latest shake-up finally fix the problems inside the team, or create even more uncertainty? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. 

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