Misbah-ul-Haq resigns from PCB selection committee amid Test squad overhaul

LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has resigned from the national selection committee, submitting his resignation to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) via email, sources said, just a day after the board overhauled the Test squad and coaching staff midway through the England series.

Sources said Misbah stepped down after differences over the selection process for the players sent to England, adding that he had not been consulted on those selections. Other sources described the decision as a personal one, driven by mounting social media backlash against the selection committee.

Misbah, who has previously served as Pakistan’s head coach and chief selector, had been part of the panel overseeing the national team’s selection. Selection committee member and Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed has not resigned. The PCB has yet to issue an official statement on Misbah’s resignation or confirm its acceptance.

Behind the shake-up

The PCB appears to be shifting accountability for the national team’s poor performances onto players and coaching staff, with key decisions on the shake-up finalised in London during a trip by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who was also in the city for a PSL Governing Council meeting.

The recall of seven players, selection of seven replacements, and overhaul of both the coaching staff and selection committee were all decided during Naqvi’s visit. The moves follow intense scrutiny of the team, particularly from international media, as well as renewed questions over past internal affairs, including a recently surfaced inquiry report on Imam-ul-Haq. Naqvi now faces mounting pressure over the future direction of Pakistan cricket, though his decisions so far appear largely reactive to recent results.

Criticism from former players

The overhaul has drawn sharp criticism from current and former international cricketers, who called the move ‘erratic and lacking in logic’. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi questioned the logic behind the decision, asking why T20 players had been included for a Test match in England and why the head coach had been removed after just five Tests, calling it the most shocking decision by a selection committee that includes several experienced selectors.

Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle pointed to the timing of the changes, noting that Salman Ali Agha had captained the side in the first Test, been dropped for the second, and sent home before the third, with the head coach, bowling coach and senior wicketkeeper also gone mid-series. He questioned whether the replacements would even have their visas sorted in time to be match-ready, remarking that Pakistan cricket could be relied upon to produce more drama off the field than on it.

Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur was more direct, calling the decisions “absolutely ridiculous” and arguing that the constant chopping and changing of players, coaches and selectors was precisely why Pakistan cricket remained in disarray. Former chief selector Muhammad Wasim offered a similar diagnosis, suggesting Pakistan’s decline had set in once serious decision-making became a part-time pursuit and the system gave way to a “circus.”

Former England batter Kevin Pietersen reacted with disbelief at the scale of the changes, while journalist Bazid Khan remarked that an overhaul mid-series was extreme even by Pakistan’s own standards, and Osman Samiuddin described the measures as disgraceful to the team.

Imam-ul-Haq inquiry

Separately, questions remain over allegations that opening batter Imam-ul-Haq faked an injury. A leaked inquiry report showed the PCB’s inquiry committee had originally recommended a ban against him, but board officials pardoned him following a strong run of domestic scoring, demonstrated discipline and a formal apology, clearing the way for his selection for the tours of England and the West Indies. Should the PCB’s medical panel re-examine his condition and find evidence of a faked injury, it could derail his international career or end it altogether.

The PCB has replaced the departing players with five uncapped cricketers and two with limited Test experience, while Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke have been brought in as head coach and bowling coach respectively for the Birmingham Test, which begins on September 9.