Reports: Match-fixing threat looms over Pakistan amid disappointing England series

The ghost of match-fixing has once again cast a shadow over Pakistan cricket, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) launching an internal disciplinary inquiry amid sweeping changes to the Test squad during the ongoing series against England.

Pakistan suffered a heavy 194-run defeat in the second Test at Lord’s, following which the PCB made several major changes to the squad. Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Zafar were dropped. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also relieved of their duties.

Seven players have since been drafted into the squad, with five of them yet to make their international debuts. The two capped players are batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, while the uncapped contingent includes pace-bowling all-rounders Razaullah Khan and Mohammad Imran, left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas, wicketkeeper Saad Baig and left-arm pacer Mohammad Imran Junior.

However, as reported by The Times of India, the sweeping changes appear to have been prompted by factors “more than cricket” rather than simply Pakistan’s poor performances in the series.

Amid growing speculation, PCB Director Media and Digital Communications Amir Mir issued a statement confirming that the board had begun an internal disciplinary inquiry.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board has initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct, which are currently being reviewed internally. 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 was quoted as saying by TOI.

According to Pakistani outlet 365 News, the PCB has also taken possession of the mobile phones of some players. The devices will reportedly remain in the board’s custody until the completion of the third and final Test. However, the report did not reveal the identities of the players whose phones were confiscated, while the PCB is yet to publicly clarify the reason behind the move.

Aaqib Javed questions Imam-ul-Haq’s injury

The developments came shortly after PCB Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed launched a scathing attack on opening batter Imam-ul-Haq, who suffered a low-grade calf tear during the Lord’s Test.

Imam did not bat in either innings despite Pakistan requiring significant contributions with the bat. Aaqib questioned the severity of the injury and confirmed that the batter would face an inquiry.

“The Imam injury is a big question mark, and a deep disappointment. Players in the past used to get injuries, but they used to put on casts and still tried to play. We’ll take action against this. How is it possible that a pulled muscle ruled you out of batting in both innings? He should have tried and fought. He’ll have to face an inquiry; I can’t say he faked it, but a muscle pull like that cannot stop you from batting altogether,” Aaqib said in an interview with Pakistan broadcast network Geo.

Lord’s brings back memories of Pakistan’s spot-fixing scandal

The latest controversy carries added significance given the venue where much of the drama unfolded. Lord’s was the setting for one of cricket’s most infamous spot-fixing scandals, involving the Pakistan team during the 2010 Test against England.

Then Pakistan captain Salman Butt, along with Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, was found guilty of accepting bribes from a bookmaker to deliberately bowl no-balls at pre-arranged moments during the Test. All three were subsequently banned from cricket and handed prison sentences.