PCB serves show-cause notice to selector over Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq selection call

A formal show-cause notice has been served on a member of Pakistan's selection committee, with the board seeking a written explanation for the decision to include Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq in the Test squad. Chief Operating Officer Sami Ahmed Syed issued the notice, which requires the concerned selector to respond in writing within 24 hours of receiving it.

The notice arrives in the middle of a sweeping overhaul of Pakistan's Test setup ahead of the third match against England at Edgbaston. Seven players were removed from the squad as part of the shake-up: Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.

Coaching changes accompanied the player removals. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was replaced by New Zealand's Mike Hesson, while bowling coach Umar Gul made way for Australian Ashley Noffke. The restructuring affects both the playing group and the support staff simultaneously, mid-series.

On September 1, 2026, Misbah-ul-Haq submitted his resignation from the PCB selection committee via email to the board. He also chose to step down from his role as batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy. Misbah is required to serve a notice period before his departure becomes formal, and as of September 1, 2026, the PCB had not accepted his resignation.

Misbah previously served as Pakistan captain across all formats and later held the position of head coach of the national side, making his departure from cricket administration a notable development.

Whether Misbah was the recipient of the show-cause notice or whether it was directed at a different member of the selection committee has not been officially confirmed. The PCB has not released a public statement clarifying the rationale behind the notice or identifying the individual concerned.

Reports: Misbah-ul-Haq quits PCB selection committee

England sealed the Test series at Lord's with a 194-run victory, leaving Pakistan without a realistic chance of winning the rubber. The third and final Test at Edgbaston, from September 9-13, 2026, will now be contested by a significantly remodelled Pakistan side under an entirely new coaching combination. The PCB is expected to confirm the full revised squad in the coming days.

Pakistan will be looking to salvage some pride in the final match, though the administrative turbulence surrounding the squad overhaul, the coaching changes and Misbah's resignation adds considerable uncertainty to their preparations for Edgbaston.