The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has come under intense scrutiny following its decision to revamp the Test squad and coaching staff in the middle of the ongoing series against England. This move has been widely condemned by current and former international cricketers, who described the approach as erratic and lacking clear rationale.
On Monday, the PCB announced the release of seven players—Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad—from the squad. Additionally, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed ahead of the third and final Test scheduled in Birmingham. England had already secured the series with a 2-0 lead.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi expressed confusion over the decision, questioning the inclusion of T20 specialists for a Test match in England and the dismissal of the head coach after only five Tests. He labeled it the most surprising move by a selection committee that includes several seasoned selectors.
Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle highlighted the timing of these changes, noting that Salman Ali Agha had captained the team in the first Test, was dropped for the second, and then sent home before the third. The removal of both the head coach and bowling coach mid-series, along with the senior wicketkeeper’s departure, raised concerns about the readiness of replacements, especially regarding visa arrangements. Bhogle remarked that Pakistan cricket seemed to generate more off-field drama than on-field performance.
Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur was blunt in his criticism, calling the decisions “absolutely ridiculous.” He argued that the continual reshuffling of players, coaches, and selectors was a key reason for Pakistan cricket’s ongoing instability, emphasizing that consistency and structure are essential for sustained success.
Similarly, former chief selector Muhammad Wasim suggested that Pakistan’s decline began when serious decision-making became a part-time effort, turning the system into a “circus.”
Ex-England batsman Kevin Pietersen reacted with disbelief to the scale of the changes, questioning whether the reports of players being sent home mid-series were accurate.
Journalist Bazid Khan summarized the widespread reaction by stating that such a mid-series overhaul was extreme even by Pakistan’s own standards. Osman Samiuddin further condemned the developments, describing the measures as disgraceful to the team.
In response to the departures, the PCB has introduced five uncapped players and two with limited Test experience into the squad. Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke have been appointed as the new head coach and bowling coach, respectively, for the upcoming Birmingham Test, which is set to begin on September 9.
