Pakistan investigate 'discipline and conduct'

Pakistan have begun an inquiry into "discipline and conduct" in the latest twist on a turbulent tour of England.

Already 2-0 down in the three-match Test series, Pakistan last week sent seven players home, called up seven more and replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed with New Zealander Mike Hesson.

During the second Test at Lord's, the tourists also threatened to cancel the remainder of the match and the tour over an interview broadcast by Sky with the sons of imprisoned former Pakistan prime minister and captain Imran Khan.

In a statement released on Monday morning, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said: "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."

The statement refers to "speculative reports" from "hostile external sources".

Last week, Hesson responded to reports Salman Ali Agha - one of the seven dropped players - refused to attend a meeting with King Charles at Clarence House.

Hesson also refuted suggestions that Mohammad Imran and Mohammad Imran Jr were both called up as replacements because the PCB was confused by their names.

The statement continued: "At this stage, any speculative reports or unverified claims circulating on certain platforms, particularly those originating from hostile external sources, should not be regarded as credible.

"The PCB will not comment further at this time. The Board advises stakeholders and the public to rely on official PCB communications."

Last week, Hesson did explain how Pakistan came to omit seven players from their original touring party.

Four changes were made to the bowling attack after Hesson was asked to take charge for the final Test.

However, three experienced players were dropped before Hesson came in. They were Salman, fellow batter Imam-ul-Haq and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.

Imam came in for criticism during the second Test at Lord's for not batting in either innings because of a calf injury.

Along with Hesson coming in as head coach, Australian Ashley Noffke has been added to the backroom staff as a replacement for fast-bowling coach Umar Gul.

Speaking on Monday at Edgbaston in the build-up to Wednesday's final Test, Noffke said he was not aware of any details of the investigation.

"I don't know too much. I sit outside that decision-making model, above us as coaches," he said.

"I guess that's one thing I've learned about being in Pakistan and coaching for a period of time, nearly 15 months with the white-ball team - there's always something going on in the background.

"Whether or not it's in or out of our control – and most of the time it's out of the players' control. We're not really in the position to know the outer workings of what's happening at the PCB in that context."