(Source X)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly opted not to impose any disciplinary measures against the players.
Recent news had suggested that the PCB was dissatisfied with some players’ conduct in the dressing room during the England tour and the T20 World Cup, leading them to consider disciplinary action. According to Pakistani media, the PCB had dismissed team manager Mansoor Rana for his failure to address the issues and planned to investigate the situation further.
It was reported that fast bowler Shaheen Afridi was particularly scrutinized by the PCB. Afridi had reportedly acted inappropriately towards batting coach Mohammad Yousuf during the England tour. Although Afridi issued a public apology to the team, the PCB was still considering disciplinary action. Additionally, Afridi had refrained from participating in team discussions during the T20 World Cup.
There were concerns that Afridi might be excluded from the Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh at home. However, PTI reports that the PCB has chosen to heed the recommendations of its head coaches and will not enforce any punitive actions against the players. This decision is intended to allow the players to concentrate fully on their upcoming matches.
“But until now no disciplinary committee has been formed as per the board constitution,” a PCB source told the news outlet.
According to the source, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi consulted with white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten, Test head coach Jason Gillespie, and selectors Mohammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq before deciding to abandon the proposed disciplinary measures.
“The coaches assured the chairman that they should be given time to settle down the team and remove any issues within the team. Their take was that (the) matters are not that serious that can’t be resolved in the dressing room,” said the source.
Pakistan eye much-needed win against Bangladesh:
Pakistan will be eager to return to winning form in Test cricket as they prepare for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. This series marks their first Test assignment since their disappointing T20 World Cup campaign in June, where Babar Azam’s team was eliminated in the group stage after defeats to the USA and India.
The two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is set to commence on August 21 in Rawalpindi, with the second match scheduled to start on August 30 in Karachi.
