Pakistan crisis deepens after Lord’s rout: Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq set to return home

Pakistan’s Test crisis has taken another turn with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and opening batter Imam-ul-Haq likely to be sent home from the ongoing England tour following back-to-back heavy defeats.Pakistan were comprehensively beaten in the first two Tests, losing the series opener at Leeds by an innings and 103 runs before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord’s. The results have left them at the bottom of the World Test Championship points table and intensified scrutiny on the team and its management.“It has been decided to send back Rizwan and Imam,” Geo News reported, quoting a source.The touring Pakistan media in England has also reported a high-level meeting involving senior Pakistan Cricket Board officials following the Lord’s defeat. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, COO Sumair Ahmed, PSL CEO Salman Naseer, former player and senior selector Aaqib Javed and limited-overs head coach Mike Hesson were reported to have attended the meeting.‘Imam is in big trouble’A source within the PCB told Geo News that Naqvi had conveyed the disappointment of senior figures over Pakistan’s performance 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 report further quoted the source as saying.The report also claimed that Rizwan and Imam were on their way back home, while suggesting that Abdullah Fazal, who has played two Tests, was certain to be sent to England.“Imam is in big trouble,” the report quoted the source as saying.Imam did not bat in the second Test after suffering an injury while fielding on the opening day, although the report claimed there were doubts over the genuineness of the injury.The meeting also reportedly discussed Hesson taking charge of the Test side. He is expected to remain with the squad for the remainder of the England tour, potentially raising questions over the future of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed.‘Everyone is worried’The latest developments come as Pakistan continue to struggle badly in Test cricket, particularly away from home. Their defeat at Lord’s was their 10th loss in their last 11 away Tests.Pacer Mohammad Abbas, who claimed nine wickets at Lord’s and registered his first five-wicket haul at the venue, admitted that the problems within the side are a major concern.“Our performance is a concern for everyone. Everyone is worried, including the selection committee and the NCA. We're not doing well, we accept that. We're not batting, bowling or fielding well and we discuss this all the time in meetings. We're all working on it, and we need to be, too,” Abbas said after the defeat.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.