28, 2026. (AP Photo) Mohammad Rizwan leaves the ground after losing his wicket on day two of the second cricket test match between England and Pakistan in London, Friday, Aug.
Pakistan drew the series in the West Indies 1-1 under Babar but lost both Tests in England. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, injured opener Imam-ul-Haq, captain in the first Test Salman Ali Agha, spinner Ali Usman and pacer Khurram Shahzad — most of whom played in the second Test at Lord’s — were also recalled from the tour. All-rounder Aamir Jamal and batter Awais Zafar returned home without playing a match in England. Babar Azam’s second stint as Test captain also failed to improve the team’s fortunes after Shan Masood was removed from the role in May.
No communication from captain, coach or team management
The report said several players were spending their day off in London or were at the team hotel when friends and family started sending them screenshots of the PCB’s announcement on social media. “Team management had not told them beforehand. To say they were shocked was an understatement,” The Telegraph report said. The report added that the way the decision was handled left “the most bitter of tastes” inside the squad. It also said the international future of several players was suddenly thrown into doubt, with questions being raised over their “character, fitness and decision-making. Several of them reportedly expressed “shock and confusion” because no direct communication had come from the team management, the captain or the coach before the PCB statement was released. It also said Rizwan’s shot selection during the Test series frustrated senior members of the team management and officials at the board, who expected better from a player of his experience.
