Pakistan's England Tour 2026: All the controversies so far

It has become almost routine for Pakistan to attract controversy on major tours, but their ongoing tour of England has set a new benchmark for off-field chaos.
England have already secured the three-match Test series, but the cricket has been overshadowed by a string of controversies both on and off the field.
Here, we take a look at all the major controversies that have emerged during Pakistan’s turbulent England tour.
The boycott threat
The controversy began during the second Test, with England leading 1-0 in the three-match series. Sky Sports, the official broadcaster of the series, had announced that it would air an interview with former Pakistan captain Imran Khan’s sons, Suleiman and Kasim Khan, during the lunch break. Former England captain and broadcaster Mike Atherton conducted the 18-minute interview, during which Imran’s sons expressed concerns about their father’s health. Imran, who led Pakistan to their only World Cup title in 1992 before later becoming the country’s Prime Minister, has been imprisoned since August 2023. His sons said they feared for his life.
According to several reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) contacted Sky Sports ahead of the lunch break to protest against the broadcast and reportedly told the broadcaster that Pakistan’s players would not take the field if the interview was aired. Sky Sports, however, went ahead with the broadcast and Pakistan's players also took the field after the interview. However, there was no official statement from the PCB confirming or denying the reported threat to boycott the session.
Sacking coaches and sending seven players home
Pakistan went on to lose the second Test by 194 runs at Lord’s, but the fallout from the defeat extended far beyond the result. The PCB made sweeping changes to the squad and coaching staff. They sent seven players home and sacked coaches Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul. Among those released from the squad were Salman Ali Agha, who had captained Pakistan in the first Test in Babar Azam’s absence but was dropped in the second Test, opener Imam-ul-Haq and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan.
The seven players were replaced by five uncapped players, along with Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, ahead of the third Test. The decision triggered a strong reaction on social media, with former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi describing the move as the “most shocking decision ever”. “Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision!” Afridi wrote on social media. “Even the replacements make no sense; T20 players have been included for a Test match in England? What is this thinking and approach? Why has the coach been axed after five Test matches?” he added. The reshuffle also led to the resignation of PCB selection committee member Misbah-ul-Haq.
Imam-ul-Haq’s ‘fake injury’ controversy
Imam-ul-Haq found himself at the centre of another controversy after missing both innings of the second Test. The opener had suffered a low-grade calf strain and had also dropped two crucial catches while fielding on the opening day. However, visuals of Imam practising his batting on the sidelines on the fourth day raised questions over the severity of his injury.
He was seen knocking the ball around with tape covering his left calf and appeared to be hobbling as he practised. The footage sparked criticism, including from former England fast bowler Stuart Broad. “That’s all for show,” Broad said on Sky Sports. “He has got a bit of stick from the media and maybe his teammates. Whatever. You can do that inside the indoor school without anyone seeing, don’t have to come wearing shorts and tape and hobble around like that. I am not impressed with that. Sorry,” he added. The controversy intensified when PCB director of high performance Aaqib Javed questioned the injury in an interview with Pakistan-based broadcaster Geo.
“The Imam injury is a big question mark and a deep disappointment,” Javed said.
“Players in the past used to get injuries, but they used to put on casts and still try [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.” Javed added that Imam would face an inquiry, while stopping short of claiming that he had deliberately faked the injury. “I can’t say he faked it, but a muscle pull like that cannot stop you from batting altogether,” he said.
The investigation
The controversies surrounding Pakistan did not end with the squad changes. The PCB also launched an internal investigation into matters relating to “discipline and conduct”. In a statement, the board said it had initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct.
“The PCB handles such matters in accordance with its standard procedures. The process is being conducted under PCB regulations, ensuring that all concerned individuals are given due consideration,” the board said.
According to reports in The Guardian and other publications, two Pakistan players also had their mobile phones confiscated as part of the investigation.
The PCB has not publicly disclosed the identities of the players involved or provided further details about the specific allegations being investigated.
The final Test
Pakistan’s turbulent England tour will conclude with the third and final Test, beginning on September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. England have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, leaving Pakistan facing the prospect of a 3-0 whitewash. Following the sweeping changes to the squad and coaching staff, New Zealander Mike Hesson, who has been working with Pakistan’s white-ball setup, has taken charge as interim head coach for the final Test.
For Pakistan, the Edgbaston Test will be about more than just avoiding a series whitewash. After a tour dominated by controversy both on and off the field, they will be hoping to end the England trip on a positive note.