The Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to make sweeping changes to the Test squad and coaching staff has drawn strong criticism from former players and international cricket figures ahead of the third and final Test against England in Birmingham.
Pakistan have released seven players from their squad and brought in an equal number of replacements following heavy defeats in the opening two Tests.
The first Test ended in an innings and 103-run defeat for Pakistan, while England followed it up with a 194-run victory in the second match.
What changes did PCB make?
The PCB has released Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad from the squad.
They have been replaced by Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Imran Randhawa and Razaullah.
The changes have not been limited to the playing squad either. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have also been removed from their respective roles for the remainder of the series.
White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke will take charge of the team for the third Test.
What did Mickey Arthur say about the changes?
Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur was among the strongest critics of the PCB’s decision-making.
Arthur argued that Pakistan’s continued cycle of changing players, coaches and selectors has created a lack of stability, which he believes has contributed to the team’s ongoing struggles.
“Absolutely ridiculous decisions by the PCB — this is the reason they are in the mess they are because they constantly chop and change players, coaches and selectors and there is no stability!” Arthur wrote on X.
Why did Shoaib Malik question the player removals?
Former Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik also questioned the decision to release several players from the squad.
Malik questioned the timing of the accountability process, suggesting that responsibility should not fall solely on players who have had limited opportunities.
What was Shahid Afridi’s reaction?
Former captain Shahid Afridi questioned both the squad changes and the decision to alter the coaching staff midway through the series.
Afridi particularly raised concerns about the inclusion of players with T20 backgrounds for a Test match in England.
“Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision! Even the replacements make no sense - T20 players have been included for a Test match in England?” Afridi wrote.
How did Azhar Ali and Kevin Pietersen react?
Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali offered a brief but pointed response to the developments, simply writing, “Sad,” on social media.
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen was equally surprised by the scale of the changes.
Reacting to the PCB’s decision to send several players home and overhaul the coaching set-up, Pietersen questioned whether the reports could actually be true.
“What on this planet am I reading about Pakistan making all these changes and sending players home etc… It can’t be real?! Surely?” Pietersen wrote.
With Pakistan already 2-0 down, the team now faces a difficult task at Edgbaston. However, the debate surrounding the PCB’s decision-making could prove just as significant, with former players questioning whether another major overhaul is the answer to Pakistan’s Test struggles.
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