BIRMINGHAM, England: The Pakistan Test squad changes have drawn sharp criticism from former players, coaches and commentators after the PCB replaced seven players and two coaches before the third Test against England.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made the changes after England won the first Test by an innings and 103 runs and followed it with a 194-run victory in the second, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Pakistan will play the third Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9 as they attempt to avoid a 3-0 series defeat.
The PCB released head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke set to take charge for the final Test.
Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur criticised the repeated changes to players, coaches and selectors, arguing on X that the national side needed greater planning, stability and structure.
Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik also questioned the decision-making process and said officials should show greater respect to players released during an overseas series.
Shahid Afridi focused on the selection of replacements, questioning the inclusion of players with limited Test experience. He also criticised the decision to change the coaching staff after five Tests.
Read: Pakistan Replace Seven Players for Third England Test
Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle described the speed and scale of Pakistan’s changes as extraordinary, while former England captain Kevin Pietersen expressed disbelief over the decision to send players home during the series.
Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali reacted briefly on social media, while former chief selector Muhammad Wasim blamed what he described as weak decision-making structures within Pakistan cricket.
The PCB released Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.
Their replacements are Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Junior, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.
The incoming players will join Pakistan ahead of the Edgbaston Test.
