Sacked Pakistan player thought dismissal was fake news

One of the seven players released by the PCB midway through the England Test series initially believed the news was fabricated. The board sacked the players following Pakistan's 194-run defeat at Lord's.

The released players included several who featured in the first two Tests. Replacements have been called up for the third Test at Edgbaston starting September 9.

The development has added to the sense of crisis surrounding Pakistan's tour.