PCB slammed for “chop and change” approach mid-way through Eng-Pak Test series

WEB DESK: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s decision to overhaul the Test squad and coaching staff midway through the England series has drawn sharp criticism from current and former international cricketers, who called the move ‘erratic’ and ‘lacking in logic’.

The PCB on Monday released seven players, Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad, from the squad, along with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, ahead of the third and final Test in Birmingham. England have already sealed the series 2-0.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said he was not sure of the logic or reasoning behind the decision, questioning why T20 players had been included for a Test match in England and why the head coach had been removed after only five Tests. He called 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 and bowling coach also gone mid-series and the senior wicketkeeper sent back. 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, adding that stability and structure were what produced consistent performances.

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’.

Ex England batter Kevin Pietersen reacted with disbelief at the scale of the changes, questioning whether what he was reading about Pakistan sending players home mid-series could possibly be real.

Journalist Bazid Khan summed up the reaction succinctly, remarking that an overhaul mid-series was extreme even by Pakistan’s own standards. Osman Samiuddin broke down the developments, stressing how the measures are disgraceful to the team.

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.