Why Did Pakistan Cricket Board's Shocking Decisions Spark Outrage Among Former Players?

Controversial Changes in Pakistan's Cricket Team

Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has faced significant backlash from former players following its decision to dismiss two coaches and send seven players home during an ongoing Test series in England.

The team suffered heavy defeats in the first two matches of the three-match series, losing the first Test by an innings and 103 runs, and the second by 194 runs.

Among those sent back were T20 captain Salman Ali Agha, former captain Muhammad Rizwan, and senior batsman Imamul Haq.

In their place, the PCB has opted for a squad of mostly inexperienced and uncapped players for the upcoming third Test, set to begin on September 9 in Birmingham.

Both head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also relieved of their duties.

Mickey Arthur, the former head coach of Pakistan, criticized the PCB's actions as absurd, stating, "This is why they find themselves in such turmoil; they frequently change players, coaches, and selectors, leading to a lack of stability! Consistent performance requires planning, stability, and structure," he expressed on social media.

Javed Miandad, a legendary former captain, expressed his shock at the PCB's decision, lamenting the impact on the players sent home and those who remain.

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 in no stability!
Planning,stability and structure =Consistent performance!! https://t.co/LQzN94hf0Z

— Mickey Arthur (@Mickeyarthurcr1) August 31, 2026

Miandad noted that the players sent home would carry a mental burden, while the newcomers would face immense pressure in the final Test.

He reflected on his own turbulent experiences in Pakistan cricket but stated he had never seen such a drastic reaction from the board.

Former captain Rashid Latif suggested that Babar Azam should have stepped down as captain in light of the board's decisions.

"There is a distinction between a captain and a leader; Babar has merely stood by while his players are left in a difficult position," Latif remarked.

Moin Khan, another former captain, argued that if the board intended to make significant changes, they should have waited until the series concluded.

He speculated that the urgency behind the board's actions hinted at deeper issues.

Test opener Mohsin Khan questioned the rationale behind appointing Mike Hesson as the head of the Test squad with only one match left.

"I hope the new players can change the team's fortunes in the final Test, but with so much turmoil, it's hard to believe they won't be affected," Khan stated.

Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik, both former captains, have also voiced their disapproval of the PCB's decisions.

Malik criticized the timing of the accountability measures, suggesting that responsibility should first lie with those who contributed to the systemic issues rather than the players with limited chances.

"The players who were dropped are still our national cricketers who have served Pakistan. Terms like 'sent on the first flight back' are disrespectful," Malik commented.

Afridi added that Sarfaraz Ahmed did not deserve such a severe response, questioning how one could judge a coach after just five matches.

"It's astonishing that selectors have sent T20 players to play a Test match in England," he noted, emphasizing that players should not have to endure such mental strain after every defeat.