‘Most shocking decision ever!’: Sharp reactions as Pakistan replaces coaches, 7 players mid-series

Islamabad: Following crushing defeats in the first two tests against England, Pakistan has taken drastic action by dropping seven players and replacing two coaches ahead of the third and final test in Birmingham on Sept. 9.

The Pakistan Cricket Board recalled head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, replacing them with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke. Ahmed’s brief three-month tenure saw Pakistan drop five of six away matches, including losses in Bangladesh, the West Indies, and now England. Pakistan has now suffered defeats in 10 of its last 11 away tests and has failed to reach 200 runs in any of its four innings this series, losing by an innings and 103 runs at Leeds and 194 runs at Lord’s.

Multiple key squad members are returning home, including second-test captain Salman Ali Agha, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, injured opener Imam-ul-Haq, spinner Ali Usman, and pacer Khurram Shahzad. Uncapped tour members Aamir Jamal and Awais Zafar will also return without having featured in a match. Rizwan’s departure follows heavy criticism of his shot selection, including an attempted slog against Ollie Robinson that trapped him lbw on Sunday. Imam suffered a torn calf on the opening day at Lord's, drawing public scrutiny from former chief selector Mohammad Wasim before being seen limping in the outfield with a heavily strapped leg ahead of day four.

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To replace the outgoing players, selectors recalled opener Saim Ayub alongside Abdullah Fazal, who returns after an injury sustained in the West Indies. Five uncapped players have also been added to the squad for England: spin allrounder Arafat Minhas, fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jr., wicketkeeper Saad Baig, and fast bowling allrounders Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.

The mid-series overhaul has drawn sharp criticism from former national captains.

“The players dropped from the squad are still our national cricketers who have served Pakistan,” Malik wrote on X. “Phrases like “sent on the first flight back” are disrespectful … Plus accountability starts once a tour is done not in the middle of it. Players should not be going through such mental stress and a social media after every bad game or the fear of failure will settle in the minds of our players.”

Former captain Shahid Afridi also voiced his frustration regarding the timing and selection strategy.

“Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision!” Afridi said on X.

“Even the replacements make no sense - T20 players have been included for a Test match in England? What is this thinking and approach? Why has the coach been axed after 5 Test matches? This is the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee which includes so many experienced selectors.”

The administrative shift comes during Babar Azam’s second stint as test captain, having replaced Shan Masood in May. Babar missed the series opener in Leeds with a finger injury—where Agha led the side before being dropped for the second test—and was unable to prevent England from securing an unassailable 2-0 series lead. (AP)