PCB launches internal disciplinary inquiry amid reports about Imam, Rizwan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday confirmed that it had initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following reports “concerning discipline and conduct” as the media alleged that investigations involving former Test players Imamul Haq and Mohammad Rizwan have been widened.

In a statement, PCB media director Amir Mir said the board was reviewing matters relating to “discipline and conduct” internally and that the process was being conducted under its regulations.

“The PCB has initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct, which are currently being reviewed internally,” he said.

“The PCB handles such matters in accordance with its standard procedures. The process is being conducted under PCB regulations, ensuring that all concerned individuals are given due consideration,” he added.

The statement came after Geo News reported that the PCB had obtained data from the mobile phones of Imam and Rizwan as part of an investigation into their activities and contacts during the team’s stay in London.

According to the report, the two players’ phones were taken into possession by the team’s security officer after Pakistan’s 194-run defeat by England in the second Test at Lord’s and were returned several hours later after their data was allegedly transferred elsewhere.

The PCB has not confirmed that it took possession of the phones or obtained their data. Similar details have been carried by other outlets, citing reports.

The PCB media director on Monday cautioned against treating unverified reports as established fact.

“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,” he said.

The PCB declined to provide further details, saying it would not comment further while the process was under way.

The development adds another layer to the turmoil surrounding Pakistan’s Test team after the side suffered two heavy defeats against England, resulting in the PCB making sweeping changes ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston, beginning on Wednesday.

England won the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before inflicting a 194-run defeat on Pakistan at Lord’s to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The PCB subsequently released seven players, including Imam and Rizwan, from the Test squad and replaced red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed with Mike Hesson on an interim basis.

Imam’s absence from the Lord’s Test had already become a matter of scrutiny. The opener suffered what was described as a low-grade calf strain while fielding on the first day and did not bat in either innings as Pakistan were dismissed for 110 and 194.

Aaqib Javed, a member of the national selection committee and PCB’s high-performance director, subsequently called for an inquiry into the matter.

However, the PCB’s latest statement did not name Imam or Rizwan, nor did it disclose the nature of the investigation.

It said stakeholders and the public should rely on official PCB communications regarding the matter.