PCB fines 9 Pakistan players ahead of 3rd Test, Rizwan spared

Pakistan cricket has once again come under the spotlight over reported player discipline issues ahead of the third Test against England. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly taken action against nine players following alleged disciplinary breaches.

The development comes after the PCB widened an internal inquiry involving Pakistan cricketers Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan following the team’s heavy defeat to England in the first Test at Lord’s. According to reports, the inquiry is looking into the players’ activities and communications during their stay in London.

However, there is currently no confirmed evidence that either Imam-ul-Haq or Mohammad Rizwan was involved in match-fixing or any other wrongdoing. While nine players have reportedly been fined, Rizwan has escaped any penalty in the matter, according to reports.

PCB fines 9 Pakistan players ahead of ENG vs PAK 3rd Test — What reports say

Pakistan cricket has once again come under the spotlight over reported discipline issues ahead of the third Test against England. A viral claim on social media has alleged that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took action against several players following disciplinary breaches.

According to the claim, nine Pakistani cricketers were fined $800 each, while another player was reportedly handed a fine of more than $800. The alleged reason for the penalties was that the players visited bars and pubs during the West Indies series.

The viral claim also stated that star wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan escaped any penalty. However, these claims have been reported as allegations, and official confirmation from the PCB is important before treating the details as confirmed.

Alleged bar visits during West Indies series, Rizwan escapes penalty

After reviewing the available official and credible reports, the viral claim about nine Pakistan players being fined cannot be confirmed. The PCB has taken disciplinary action against Pakistani players in the past, but there is no confirmed report linking nine players to financial penalties for visiting bars or clubs during the West Indies series.

In March, the PCB announced a fine of PKR 20 million against Naseem Shah for breaching the central contract and social media guidelines. The board had also imposed fines on Pakistani players after the team failed to reach the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. However, these cases are not connected to the viral claim about the West Indies series.

During the West Indies series, Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad were fined by the ICC for separate disciplinary incidents related to on-field misconduct. There was also a recent controversy involving several Pakistan players being called back from England midway through the series. However, there is still no substantial evidence or official PCB confirmation that nine players were fined over alleged bar visits, or that Mohammad Rizwan escaped a penalty in such a case.

What this means for Pakistan's squad ahead of the Edgbaston decider

The reported disciplinary issues could create extra pressure on the Pakistan squad ahead of the Edgbaston decider. With the third Test approaching, the team will need to stay focused and avoid any off-field distractions.

The players will also be under pressure to perform after a difficult series against England. The team management is expected to keep the players focused on their preparation and ensure that discipline remains a priority.

For Pakistan, the Edgbaston decider will be an important match. The players will need to put the recent controversies aside and concentrate on their cricket as they look to finish the series on a positive note.