Karachi, Aug 31 (PTI) Pakistan are likely to send wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and opening batter Imam Ul Haq back home from their tour of England where the team has endured heavy defeats in the first two Tests so far.
Placed at the bottom of the points table in the World Test Championship, Pakistan lost the opening Test to England by an innings and 103 runs at Leeds and the second Test at Lord’s by 194 runs.
“It has been decided to send back Rizwan and Imam,” Geo News reported.
The touring Pakistan media in England has also reported of a high-level meeting of the officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board following their defeat in the second Test.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, COO Sumair Ahmed, PSL CEO Salman Naseer, former player and senior selector Aaqib Javed and head coach for limited-overs cricket Mike Hesson attended the meeting.
A reliable source within the PCB said Naqvi, who is also a minister in the government of Pakistan, has been conveyed of their disappointment by those above him over how the Pakistan team has fared in England.
“The incident of Imran Khan’s sons’ interview being aired during the second Test on Sky Sports has also upset the powers that be, but more than anything, it is the portrayal of the Pakistan team in the media and their performance that has caused concern,” the source said.
The source claimed Rizwan and Imam are both on their way back home.
“Imam is in big trouble,” he said, adding that the 23-year-old Abdullah Fazal, who has played two Tests, is certain to be sent to England.
Imam did not bat in the second Test after suffering an injury on the first day while fielding, but there are doubts over the genuineness of his injury.
The source said Hesson taking charge of the Test team was also discussed in the meeting, and he would now remain with the Pakistan side for their remainder of the England tour.
Hesson’s presence puts a big question mark on the future of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed. PTI COR DDV
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