Pakistan Cricket Faces Turmoil as Umar Gul and Coaches Dismissed After Disappointing Test Series

The Pakistan Cricket Board has initiated a significant overhaul following a series of disappointing performances against England, leading to the dismissal of bowling consultant Umar Gul and several players. Former coach Jason Gillespie has publicly criticized Gul's explanations for the team's failures, highlighting the ongoing turmoil within Pakistan cricket. As the team prepares for the final Test at Edgbaston, they face scrutiny and pressure to salvage their reputation. This shake-up raises questions about the PCB's management and the future of the players involved.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 8, 2026, 13:07 IST

Pakistan's Cricket Crisis Deepens

Jason Gillespie, the former red-ball coach of Pakistan, recently criticized Umar Gul, who was sent back from England following the team's poor performances. Gul, appointed as a bowling consultant in April 2022, faced backlash after providing an unusual rationale for the team's bowling failures.

Major Shake-Up After Heavy Defeats

Following a significant 194-run loss to England at Lord's, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made drastic changes, dismissing Gul along with seven players, including Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq. The team, led by Babar Azam, also suffered a crushing defeat by an innings and 135 runs at Headingley.

PCB's Response to Ongoing Struggles

With two consecutive losses, Pakistan cricket is in turmoil, prompting the PCB to implement a major overhaul. This shake-up occurred amidst the ongoing Test series against England, which will conclude with the third and final match at Edgbaston.

Gillespie's Critique Goes Viral

In a recent episode of the 'Fast Bowling Cartel' Podcast, Gillespie addressed Gul's controversial comments regarding the team's defeat at Headingley. He remarked that Gul's assessment shifted from a technical critique to absurdity, expressing no surprise at Gul's dismissal.

Gillespie stated, "Give me a spell, Umar. Not surprised you’re not bowling coach anymore, champ. How ridiculous is that?" He emphasized that there are no excuses at the highest level of cricket.

Gul's Justification Under Fire

After the Headingley Test, Gul claimed that the fast bowlers struggled due to the abrupt transition from the hot conditions of the West Indies to England's cold and wet climate. This explanation drew skepticism from analysts, who questioned the reliance on acclimatization as a defense for such a significant defeat.

Concerns Over PCB's Management

Gillespie also highlighted the broader dysfunction within the PCB, criticizing the chaotic treatment of players and staff during crises. He remarked, "It's just chaos. The players are used to this stuff, and it's par for the course. To sack seven players and then request that they stay to meet the King, because it would be embarrassing for the PCB to have only some players. How can you treat people this way? It makes zero sense."

Pakistan's Fight for Pride

After suffering two consecutive losses against England, the Babar Azam-led team must now strive to regain some pride in the upcoming match at Edgbaston. In response to the recent shake-up, Pakistan has added several players, including Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, to their squad as replacements for those sent home.

Ongoing Issues in Pakistan Cricket

Additionally, concerns have arisen regarding potential match-fixing, with Imam and Rizwan under scrutiny as the PCB has seized phones in England for investigation.