Pakistan cricket is again in negative spotlight for match fixing allegations (Image: Google)
New Delhi: Pakistan cricket has once again found itself surrounded by controversy after a sudden overhaul of its Test squad during the ongoing England tour triggered speculation about possible disciplinary issues and renewed match-fixing concerns.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made a major reshuffle following the team’s 194-run defeat at Lords, removing seven players from the squad along with two members of the coaching staff. While the changes were initially seen as a response to Pakistan’s disappointing performance, reports emerging from Pakistan have raised questions over whether the move was linked to deeper concerns.
The players dropped from the squad include Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal and Awais Zafar. Along with them, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed from their roles.
The PCB later announced replacements, bringing in seven new players, including five who had never represented Pakistan at the international level. Only Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal among the additions had previous international experience.
The sudden nature of the changes fuelled speculation, especially after reports suggested that the PCB had initiated an internal investigation into player discipline and conduct.
Mobile phones seized
The controversy intensified after reports emerged that the mobile phones of some players were taken into custody by the team management.
According to reports circulating in Pakistani media, the phones of Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan were collected by the team’s security official following the Lord’s defeat. The devices were reportedly examined before being returned after several hours. There were also claims that phones of other squad members were taken and would remain with the PCB until the final Test.
However, the PCB has not officially confirmed the exact reason behind collecting the devices. The board has also not stated that the phone checks are connected to any match-fixing investigation.
Revival of old memories
The developments have brought back memories of Pakistan cricket’s troubled past, particularly because the latest Test was played at Lords, the venue linked with one of the biggest corruption scandals in cricket history.
During the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, Pakistani players Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were convicted after being found guilty of deliberately bowling no balls at pre-decided moments during a Test against England as part of a betting-related scheme.
While there is currently no evidence suggesting that the latest controversy has reached a similar stage, the combination of a sudden squad shake-up, disciplinary inquiry and reports of phone examinations has once again put corruption concerns in the spotlight.
Imam-ul-Haq under scanner
Apart from the broader squad changes, opener Imam-ul-Haq has faced additional scrutiny over his fitness concerns during the Lords Test.
Aaqib Javed, director of High performance, PCB questioned why Imam’s reported calf injury prevented him from batting in both innings. He said the matter would be investigated, while clarifying that he was not accusing the batter of faking the injury.
PCB under pressure
Official explanation of PCB remains that the sweeping changes were made due to the team’s poor performance. However, until the ongoing disciplinary investigation reveals the reasons behind the action, speculation surrounding the sudden removals is likely to continue.
For Pakistan cricket, the issue is now bigger than just another Test defeat. PCB faces the challenge of explaining the reasons behind the unprecedented squad changes and clarifying what investigators are examining regarding player conduct and discipline.
