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PCB Takes Big Action Over Rizwan, Imam Picks, Gives Selectors 24 Hours: Report

PCB has reportedly issued a show-cause notice to its selection committee over Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq's selections for the England tour.

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Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom
  • Pakistan Cricket Board issued show-cause notice to selection committee.
  • Explanation sought for Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq England tour selections.
  • Rizwan's poor form, Imam's injury prompted PCB scrutiny.
  • Committee must provide selection rationale within 24 hours.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stepped up scrutiny of its selection committee following the team's difficult tour of England. According to a Hindustan Times report, the board has issued a show-cause notice to the entire committee and sought an explanation over the selections of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq for the tour.

The committee has been given 24 hours to respond, with the PCB seeking details about the selection criteria, performances considered and other factors that influenced the decisions.

PCB Seeks Answers Over Rizwan, Imam Selections

Rizwan and Imam were selected following a meeting held on June 2. However, both players were subsequently released from Pakistan's Test squad following the second Test at Lord's.

According to HT, the PCB has now asked the selection committee to explain the rationale behind including the two batters in the touring squad.

"Yes, we have issued a showcause notice to the entire committee," a PCB spokesperson confirmed to HT Digital.

The notice reportedly described the matter as "urgent and of utmost importance" and instructed the committee to provide a written response within 24 hours of receiving it.

The PCB specifically wants the committee to outline the reasons for selecting Rizwan and Imam, along with the selection process followed before the final decision was made.

Rizwan's Form Under Scrutiny

Rizwan's selection had already been questioned amid his recent struggles with the bat in Test cricket.

He scored 61 runs across four innings against England, taking his 2026 Test tally to 283 runs from six matches at an average of 25.72, with two half-centuries.

The wicketkeeper-batter had also scored 360 runs in 10 innings in 2025. According to the report, Rizwan has not scored a Test century since his unbeaten 171 against Bangladesh in August 2024.

Following the second Test at Lord's, which Pakistan lost by 194 runs, Rizwan was released from the squad as part of the team's wider selection changes.

Imam Injury Also Draws Attention

Imam was also released after sustaining a calf injury during the Lord's Test. He did not bat in either innings as Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat.

The report said the injury has attracted scrutiny in the media, with speculation surrounding its legitimacy. Previous allegations questioning injuries involving Imam have also resurfaced.

However, such claims remain allegations and have not been established as fact.

The PCB's latest move comes after Pakistan lost both opening Tests of the three-match series against England, leaving them with no chance of winning the series ahead of the finale.

The selection committee must now provide its written explanation within the 24-hour deadline set by the board, adding another layer of uncertainty to Pakistan cricket's ongoing overhaul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issue a show-cause notice to its selection committee?

The PCB issued the notice due to the team's difficult England tour. They sought an explanation for the selections of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, demanding details on selection criteria and influencing factors.

What specific information does the PCB require from the selection committee?

The PCB wants the committee to outline the reasons for selecting Rizwan and Imam, along with the selection process followed. They must provide a written response within 24 hours.

Why was Mohammad Rizwan's selection criticized?

Rizwan's selection was questioned due to his recent struggles in Test cricket, scoring only 61 runs across four innings against England. He also hasn't scored a Test century since August 2024.

What happened with Imam-ul-Haq during the tour?

Imam was released from the squad after sustaining a calf injury during the Lord's Test, where he didn't bat. His injury has drawn media scrutiny, with speculation regarding its legitimacy.

About the author Prateek Thakur

Prateek Thakur is a Copy Editor at ABP Live English, reporting on major sporting events while spotlighting the human stories of athletes that matter.

You can reach out to him at prateekt@abpnetwork.com.

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