PCB Issues Tough Notice Over Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq Selection

Rizwan selection has come under scrutiny after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sought written explanations from members of the national selection committee over the inclusion of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq in Pakistan’s Test squads for the West Indies and England tours.

The development comes amid a broader review of Pakistan’s disappointing Test campaign against England. The PCB has asked the selectors to explain the basis on which the two experienced batters were recommended for the Test squad, including their performances, selection criteria and other factors considered during the process.

PCB Questions Rizwan and Imam’s Selection

According to reports, the PCB has issued show-cause notices to members of the national selection committee, asking them to provide a detailed justification for the recommendations involving Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq.

The selectors have been given 24 hours from receipt of the notices to submit their written responses. The board’s move places renewed attention on the decision-making process used to finalize Pakistan’s Test squad.

The notices reportedly seek clarification on why the two players were considered suitable for the overseas Test assignments and what performance benchmarks were applied during their selection.

The PCB’s action follows a difficult period for the national Test side, which suffered heavy defeats in both matches of the ongoing three-Test series against England. Pakistan lost the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs before England secured a 194-run victory at Lord’s.

Selectors Asked to Explain June 2 Meeting

The board has specifically referred to a June 2, 2026 meeting of the national selection committee. According to reports, the meeting minutes were subsequently submitted to the PCB, documenting the selectors’ recommendations for the Test squad.

The selection committee members have been asked to explain the reasoning behind their recommendations and provide details of the criteria used when assessing Rizwan and Imam.

The development highlights growing scrutiny over Pakistan’s squad-selection procedures, particularly following the team’s underwhelming performances on the England tour.

Test Squad Changes Add Pressure

The PCB’s latest move follows significant changes to Pakistan’s Test squad ahead of the third Test against England in Birmingham.

On August 31, the board confirmed that seven players had been released from the Test squad following completion of the Lord’s Test. The players included Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.

The PCB subsequently named replacements, including Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas and several players who are uncapped at Test level. The changes represent a substantial reshaping of the squad ahead of the final match of the series.

The board has also made changes to the coaching setup, with the white-ball coaching staff being brought in for the Birmingham Test.

PCB Seeks Greater Accountability

The Rizwan selection controversy reflects a wider debate over selection consistency and accountability in Pakistan cricket. While selectors are responsible for recommending players based on performance, conditions and team requirements, the PCB’s request for written explanations indicates that the board wants a clearer record of the reasoning behind important squad decisions.

Rizwan and Imam were both included in Pakistan’s squads for the 2026 Test assignments against the West Indies and England. The PCB’s official squad announcement confirms their inclusion in the England touring group.

The selectors’ responses could provide further insight into the factors that influenced their recommendations and the standards applied when assembling Pakistan’s Test squad.

For now, the matter remains an internal PCB review, with no indication that disciplinary action against the selectors has been finalized. The immediate focus is on the written explanations requested by the board and whether they address the questions raised over the selection of the two players.See More on Pulse Paksitan