Seven Pakistani cricketers and two coaches sent home amid England tour turmoil

The England tour has turned chaotic for Pakistan as the PCB ordered the immediate return of seven players and two senior coaches to Lahore. The decision follows crushing defeats in the first two Test matches—losses of 103 runs at Headingley and 194 runs at Lord’s—that have left Pakistan anchored at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings.

Wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, opening batsman Imam‑ul‑Haq, T20 captain Salman Ali Agha and four other squad members were flown back after the second Test. In addition, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were dismissed from the tour, with former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson and Australian coach Ashley Noffke appointed as interim replacements.

Amir Mehir, responsible for media and digital communications at the PCB, announced that an internal disciplinary inquiry has been initiated to address alleged dressing‑room unrest and breaches of conduct. He stressed that the board will follow its established procedures and give all concerned parties a chance to present their side.

The interventions have sparked criticism from former players and cricket analysts, who view the actions as an extraordinary step taken during an overseas series. Mehir warned against unverified rumors, especially those circulating from external sources, and asked fans to rely solely on official PCB communications.