PCB Faces Criticism After Major Squad Overhaul Ahead of Third Test Against England

Criticism from Former Players

Former Pakistani cricketers Saeed Ajmal and Kamran Akmal have expressed their discontent with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following significant changes to the Test squad ahead of the third Test against England at Edgbaston. The PCB has made sweeping alterations to the team, replacing nearly half of the squad and dismissing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed along with bowling coach Umar Gul after two heavy losses in the initial Tests, as reported by Cricinfo.

Consequences of Recent Defeats

The decision to revamp the squad comes after Pakistan's disappointing 194-run defeat in the second Test, which allowed England to secure a 2-0 lead in the series. The first Test also ended in a loss for Pakistan by an innings.

Ajmal and Akmal's Reactions

On social media platform X, Ajmal, who has taken 447 wickets in 212 matches, criticized the current state of Pakistan cricket, stating, "Pakistan Cricket Has Become a Gimmick now! Disappointed with the professionalism. #pakistancricket."

Kamran Akmal, a former wicketkeeper-batter with 6,871 runs in 268 matches, echoed similar sentiments, saying, "Pakistan cricket ki Misaal poori duniya main nahi hai...Is se bara mazak nahi ho sakta during series they made 7 changes including management selection committee members resignations when will we run our cricket with professionalism?"

Coaching and Squad Changes

The PCB has released seven players from the squad, including notable names like Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq. In their place, five uncapped players have been introduced, alongside Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who collectively have only 10 matches of experience. The new uncapped players are Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah.

Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke, who are part of the white-ball coaching setup, have also been integrated into the Test coaching team.

Misbah-ul-Haq Resigns

Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq has tendered his resignation from the national selection committee following the PCB's decision to overhaul the Test squad and coaching staff during the ongoing England tour. Although the PCB has yet to accept his resignation, he has also stepped down from his role as a batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

Misbah, who retired as Pakistan's most successful Test captain in 2017, has held various positions within the PCB over the years, including head coach and chief selector.

PCB Demands Clarification on Selections

The PCB has requested explanations from selectors regarding the inclusion of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq. A notice was issued on the same day the board announced the dismissal of seven players and two coaches ahead of the third Test. The selection committee has been asked to provide a written explanation within 24 hours, detailing the rationale behind the selections.

Rizwan was Pakistan's leading Test run-scorer from the start of 2024 until the West Indies tour, while Imam had been among the top run-scorers in domestic cricket despite limited Test appearances.

Upcoming Test Match Details

Pakistan's recent defeat at Lord's marked their 15th loss in the last 20 Tests, placing them at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship standings. The third Test is set to commence at Edgbaston on September 9, with Pakistan aiming to conclude the series positively and avoid a clean sweep.

New Squad for Birmingham Test

The squad for the Birmingham Test against England includes: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Ubaid Shah.