Aaqib Javed, Mohsin Naqvi
Pakistan suffered an innings and 103-run loss in the series opener at Headingley before going down by 194 runs at Lord’s on Sunday as England took an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Senior players Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha, who was Pakistan’s captain at Headingley when Babar Azam was injured, were among those told to leave.
Because of their form but also because of their behaviour in the dressing room, he claimed that Rizwan and Imam were dropped not only.
“Aqib is also likely to be told to focus on his role as Director Development at the Lahore High Performance Centre,” a source was quoted as saying by PTI. The decision to send back Rizwan, Imam and Salman was part of the PCB’s wider plan, according to the PTI quoted source. “Aaqib, who is considered the blue-eyed boy of the chairman, is also likely to be told to just focus on his role as Director Development at the Lahore High Performance Centre,” he said.
The development comes days after senior players Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha were sent home from England. The decision has raised questions over Pakistan’s selection policy and team management. Another member of the selection committee, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, has already offered to step down. Aaqib has been one of the influential figures within the PCB and has had a significant role in selection and other team-related matters.