Mohammed Yousuf Critiques PCB's Squad Changes Ahead of Edgbaston Test
Yousuf's Concerns Over PCB's Recent Decisions
Islamabad, September 2 – Former Pakistani cricketer Mohammed Yousuf has expressed his disapproval regarding the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) choice to release seven players and two coaches from the team prior to the third Test against England at Edgbaston. He believes this decision highlights a recurring pattern of "internal chaos, disagreements, and controversies" that have plagued Pakistan cricket, emphasizing that the focus should remain on performance rather than boardroom politics.
In a significant shake-up, Pakistan has altered nearly half of its Test squad ahead of the final match against England, scheduled for September 9. This follows substantial defeats in the first two Tests, with the team losing by 194 runs in the second match, which allowed England to secure a 2-0 lead in the series. The first Test ended in an innings defeat for Pakistan.
The PCB has released seven players, including notable names like Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, after their loss at Lord's. In their stead, five uncapped players have been introduced, alongside Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who collectively have only 10 matches of experience. The new additions include Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah, with Hesson and Ashley Noffke stepping in as head coach and bowling coach, respectively.
On social media, Yousuf remarked that the PCB's decision seems to extend beyond mere performance issues. He pointed out that Pakistan cricket has repeatedly faced such "turbulence" since their historic 1992 World Cup victory, which has often undermined stability and diverted attention from the game itself. He urged for strong performances and consistent results to "silence the noise," asserting that success is the best remedy.
Yousuf stated, "The recent decision by the authorities to recall players and coaching staff from the ongoing tour does not appear to be only performance-related. After all, we are not sending legends like Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq, or Saeed Anwar as replacements. Instead, this move reflects the familiar cycle of internal chaos, differences of opinion, and controversies that have long haunted Pakistan cricket. Since the glory of the 1992 World Cup, such turbulence has resurfaced time and again, eroding stability and distracting from the game itself."
He continued, "We have endured such turmoil in different forms many times before, each episode leaving scars on the team’s progress and the fans’ faith. The lesson is clear! Only strong performances and consistent positive results can silence the noise. Pakistan cricket must focus on the field, not the boardroom, if it is to restore credibility and inspire confidence among fans. Success remains the most effective antidote."
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In a related development, 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. Reports indicate that the PCB has yet to accept Misbah's resignation, and he has also chosen to step 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. He was appointed head coach and chief selector in 2019 but stepped down from the chief selector role in October 2020 to concentrate on coaching. He resigned as head coach in 2021 and returned to the PCB in 2023 as an advisor under the then ad hoc management committee chief Zaka Ashraf. He was later appointed as one of five mentors for the men's Champions Cup in 2024 and also worked with women's domestic teams.
Last month, he led the Pakistan Gold side to victory in the 50-over National Champions Cup in Multan under captain Shaheen Afridi.
In March, Misbah joined the four-member national selector committee alongside Aaqib Javed, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Asad Shafiq. He was also contracted to serve as a batting consultant for 180 days a year. The PCB sought explanations from selectors regarding the inclusion of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq.
According to reports, the notice was issued on the same day the board announced its decision to send home seven players and two coaches ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston. The selection committee was required to provide a written explanation within 24 hours, detailing the rationale behind Rizwan and Imam's selections and the decision-making process.
From the start of 2024 until the West Indies tour, Rizwan was Pakistan's leading Test run-scorer and had the highest batting average on the team. Imam, while having played only two Tests during that period, was among the top run-scorers in domestic cricket.
The defeat at Lord's marked Pakistan's 15th loss in their last 20 Tests, placing them at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings. The third Test is set to commence at Edgbaston on September 9, with Pakistan aiming to conclude the series positively and avoid a 3-0 clean sweep.
Pakistan squad for the Birmingham Test against England: 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.