PCB Set to Send Rizwan and Imam Home After Lord’s Defeat

Pakistan’s Test campaign in England has taken another sharp turn, with the PCB reportedly deciding to send Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq back to Pakistan after the 194-run defeat at Lord’s.

The decision followed an emergency meeting of the Pakistan team management in London after England sealed the three-match series 2-0. The third Test starts at Edgbaston in Birmingham on September 9, leaving Pakistan with one match to avoid a clean sweep. 

Rizwan’s form puts him under pressure

Rizwan has played both Tests but has struggled badly with the bat. He made 12 and 41 at Headingley before managing only seven and one at Lord’s.

That leaves him with 94 runs across his last four Tests, a run that has put his place under serious scrutiny. His dismissal in the second innings at Lord’s drew further criticism, particularly with Pakistan chasing 389 and already three wickets down for 14.

The Rizwan return to Pakistan would therefore mark a significant change for a player who has remained a regular part of Pakistan’s Test setup.

Imam’s injury adds another complication

Imam was selected for the Lord’s Test but never got the chance to bat. He suffered a left calf injury while fielding on the opening day and was ruled out for the remainder of the match.

His absence hurt Pakistan badly during a chase that eventually ended at 194 all out. Saud Shakeel led the resistance with 97, while Shan Masood contributed 26, but England’s attack kept the pressure on throughout the innings.

Reports now indicate that Imam will return home alongside Rizwan. The development comes as the PCB considers wider Pakistan Test squad changes before the final Test.

Player	Lord’s Test	Reported development
Mohammad Rizwan	7 and 1	Set to return to Pakistan
Imam-ul-Haq	Did not bat	Set to return due to calf injury
Saud Shakeel	97	Remains a key batting option
Shan Masood	26	Could retain his place

Pakistan’s problems go well beyond two players. England’s pace attack repeatedly exposed the visitors’ fragile batting, with Ollie Robinson finishing with eight wickets in the match. Pakistan had already lost the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs.

The reported Rizwan return to Pakistan is part of a much bigger conversation around the team. The PCB now has to decide whether to stick with the established core or use the Birmingham Test to give younger players an opportunity.

The Pakistan Test squad changes could reshape the batting order before the series finale. For a side already under pressure, the third Test now carries a very different importance. A 3-0 defeat would leave Pakistan with plenty to answer for once the England tour is over.