Pakistan Cricket Faces Turmoil as Players Released Ahead of Edgbaston Test

Pakistan cricket is facing a significant crisis as the PCB has released seven players and dismissed coaches just before the crucial Edgbaston Test. Captain Babar Azam expressed surprise at the PCB's decision, emphasizing that they are best suited to explain the rationale behind it. Amid criticism of team selections following a heavy defeat to England, Azam defended the choices made based on pitch conditions. He urged his team to play freely in the final Test, despite the series loss. Additionally, the PCB has launched an internal inquiry into disciplinary issues following media reports. This situation raises questions about the future of Pakistan cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 8, 2026, 22:42 IST

Crisis in Pakistan Cricket

Pakistan cricket is currently in turmoil, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) releasing seven players and dismissing coaches Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul just before the third Test at Edgbaston. Captain Babar Azam expressed that the PCB's decision was unexpected for him, as he learned about it only after the fact. He emphasized that the PCB is better positioned to clarify the rationale behind their decision, which he believes was made after careful consideration.

Babar Azam's Reaction

"It was news to me. I found out after. The PCB decided it, so they'll be able to explain better. The PCB's decision must have been taken after some thought process. It's better if you ask them why," Azam stated to reporters prior to the Edgbaston Test, according to Cricinfo.

Defending Team Selections

In the wake of Pakistan's 194-run loss to England at Lord's, which left them trailing 2-0 in the series, high-performance director Aaqib Javed criticized the team's selection choices. However, Azam defended the selections, stating that they were based on an assessment of the pitch and conditions. He acknowledged the team's failure to meet expectations but maintained that the selections were made with the team's best interests in mind.

"We didn't play well in all three facets as a team. When you don't get results, criticism is inevitable. But we did what we thought was best at the time. The way we read the pitch and conditions, the XIs we went with were what we thought was best at the time. But we did not get the results or performance we expected of ourselves," he remarked.

Final Test: A Chance to Play Freely

Azam encouraged his team to approach the final Test match with freedom and confidence, despite the series loss. He mentioned that practice sessions had been utilized to prepare new players, expressing hope that their enthusiasm would lead to a strong performance.

"The series is lost, but we have nothing to lose. We should play freely and believe in ourselves as a team. We've practiced for a couple of days and explained things to the new boys. Any young player who comes in is excited, and that excitement is visible. I believe that will be visible in the match, too," he concluded.

PCB Initiates Internal Inquiry

On Monday, the PCB confirmed the initiation of an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports regarding issues of "discipline and conduct". This inquiry comes amid allegations that investigations involving batters Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammed Rizwan have expanded. According to PCB media director Amir Mir, the board is reviewing these matters internally, adhering to its regulations.

"The PCB has initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct, which are currently being reviewed internally," he stated, as quoted by a news outlet.