'Ghosts From Past': Pakistan's Uncanny Déjà Vu With MATCH FIXING In England Comes To Haunt After 10 Years!

New Delhi, September 7: The ghosts of the past have come out once again, knocking on the door of the Pakistan cricket team during the ongoing three-match Test series against England.

Following Pakistan's 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord's, the PCB made sweeping changes to the squad and coaching staff. Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Zafar were dropped, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also relieved of their duties.

Seven additions have been made to Pakistan's squad amid the overhaul, five of whom are yet to appear at the international level. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal are the only two newcomers with previous international experience. The other five selections are Razaullah Khan and Mohammad Imran, both pace-bowling all-rounders, left-arm orthodox Arafat Minhas, wicketkeeper Saad Baig and left-arm seamer Mohammad Imran Junior.

Changes Affected From Reasons 'More Than Cricket'

However, the sweeping decisions taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board appear to have a deeper backdrop than the side's struggles on the field. As per a report by the Times of India, the moves were prompted by circumstances considered "more than cricket", rather than being based purely on the team's underwhelming results. Efforts were made to seek clarification from the relevant authorities, including the England and Wales Cricket Board, which is hosting the series, as well as the PCB. Neither organisation had responded more than 72 hours after being contacted.

Meanwhile, Pakistani publication 365 News has reported that mobile phones belonging to some members of the Pakistan setup were submitted to the PCB and are expected to remain with the board until the last Test is completed. The identities of those involved have not been revealed, and there has been no official explanation from the PCB regarding the reason behind the move.

The developments came shortly before PCB Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed publicly questioned Imam-ul-Haq's decision not to bat during the Lord's Test. Imam sustained a low-grade calf injury during the match, but Aaqib expressed strong dissatisfaction over his absence from both innings and indicated that disciplinary proceedings could follow.

Speaking to Pakistani broadcaster Geo, Aaqib described the injury as a "big question mark" and a "deep disappointment". He pointed to examples of players in previous eras continuing despite injuries and said the PCB would examine the circumstances surrounding Imam's withdrawal from batting.

"The Imam injury is a big question mark, and a deep disappointment. Players in the past used to get injuries, but they used to put on casts and still tried to play. We'll take action against this. How is it possible that a pulled muscle ruled you out of batting in both innings? He should have tried and fought. He'll have to face an inquiry; I can't say he faked it, but a muscle pull like that cannot stop you from batting altogether," Aaqib said.

Ghosts From Past

The latest developments also carry an uncomfortable sense of déjà vu for Pakistan cricket, with Lord's once again at the centre of scrutiny. The iconic venue was the setting for the infamous 2010 spot-fixing scandal involving Pakistan, when then captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were found guilty of accepting money from a bookmaker in exchange for deliberately delivering no-balls at pre-arranged moments during the Test.

The trio received prison sentences and lengthy bans, leaving a lasting stain on Pakistan cricket. More than a decade later, the fresh questions surrounding the team at the same ground have inevitably revived memories of one of the darkest episodes in the sport's history.