Pakistan Cricket Board Faces Backlash Over Major Squad Changes Ahead of Third Test
PCB's Controversial Squad Overhaul
Islamabad, September 1 - Former Pakistani cricketers Saeed Ajmal and Kamran Akmal have criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its recent lack of professionalism following significant alterations to the Test squad ahead of the third match against England at Edgbaston.
In a drastic move, Pakistan has revamped nearly half of its Test team before the final match scheduled for September 9, dismissing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul after suffering heavy losses in the first two Tests. The changes come after a disappointing 194-run defeat in the second Test, which allowed England to secure a 2-0 lead in the series, following an innings defeat in the first Test.
Ajmal, who took 447 wickets in his 212-match career, expressed his disappointment on X, 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?"
Additionally, ex-captain Shoaib Malik humorously responded to Kevin Pietersen's earlier comment about the lengthy toss interview due to the numerous changes, suggesting that broadcasters might not be pleased with such a situation.
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 additions include 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 team, will also join the Test coaching staff.
Earlier, Misbah-ul-Haq, a former captain, resigned 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 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 roles within the PCB over the years, including head coach and chief selector. He returned to the PCB in 2023 as an advisor and was appointed as one of five mentors for the upcoming men's Champions Cup in 2024.
The PCB has sought explanations from selectors regarding the inclusion of Rizwan and Imam. A notice was issued on the same day the board announced the release of seven players and two coaches ahead of the third Test. The selection committee was required to provide a written explanation within 24 hours, detailing the rationale behind Rizwan and Imam's selections.
Despite being Pakistan's leading Test run-scorer from early 2024 until the West Indies tour, Rizwan's inclusion has been questioned, while Imam, who has played only two Tests during that time, has been among the top domestic run-scorers.
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 standings. The third Test is set to commence at Edgbaston on September 9, with Pakistan hoping to conclude the series positively and avoid a clean sweep.
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.