BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan cricket’s major Test shake-up has triggered strong reactions from former players and coaches after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) changed both the squad and coaching staff ahead of the third Test against England.
The PCB released seven players and brought in replacements following heavy defeats in the opening two Tests. Red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also released, with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke taking charge for the final Test.
Pakistan Cricket Changes Draw Arthur’s Criticism
Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur strongly questioned the changes, arguing that frequent alterations to players, coaches and selectors had prevented stability.
Absolutely ridiculous decisions by the PCB-this is the reason they are in the mess they are because they constantly chop and change players,coaches and selectors and there in no stability!
Planning,stability and structure =Consistent performance!! https://t.co/LQzN94hf0Z— Mickey Arthur (@Mickeyarthurcr1) August 31, 2026
“Absolutely ridiculous decisions by the PCB,” Arthur wrote on X, adding that “planning, stability and structure” were essential for consistent performances.
The players dropped from the squad are still our national cricketers who have served Pakistan. Phrases like “sent on the first flight back” are disrespectful.
Accountability should start with those who broke the system, not with players specially those who were on the bench or…
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) August 31, 2026
Former captain Shoaib Malik also questioned the treatment of dropped players, stressing that they remained national cricketers who had served Pakistan.
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Malik argued that accountability should begin with those responsible for problems within the system rather than players with limited opportunities. He also warned that repeated criticism could create mental pressure and a fear of failure among cricketers.
Former Pakistan Players React to PCB Shake-Up
Former captain Azhar Ali offered a brief reaction, writing simply: “Sad.”
Sad 😢 #PakistanCricket
— Azhar Ali (@AzharAli_) August 31, 2026
Former chief selector Muhammad Wasim was more critical, saying the decline began when serious decision-making became a “part-time job” and “the circus replaced the system.”
Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle also questioned the timing and scale of the changes, particularly replacing coaches and players midway through a Test series.
The shake-up follows Pakistan’s defeats by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley and 194 runs at Lord’s, which gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Pakistan will now look to regroup for the third Test at Edgbaston, beginning September 9.
