Pakistan's Mid-Series Overhaul

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made sweeping changes to the national team's squad and coaching staff ahead of the third Test against England, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from former players. The overhaul came after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat in the second Test at Lord's, giving England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Seven players were released from the squad: Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad. In their place, Pakistan added five uncapped players — Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razaullah — along with Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have only 10 international matches of experience between them, as reported by Cricket Addictor.

The changes also extended to the coaching staff. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were removed after just two Tests in the series. Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke, who were already associated with Pakistan's white-ball set-up as head coach and bowling coach respectively, were named to join the Test coaching staff.

Afridi's Reaction

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi expressed his shock at the scale and timing of the decision. Writing on social media, Afridi questioned the reasoning behind the move.

"Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision!" he wrote.

He went on to question the suitability of the replacements, saying, "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 five Test matches? This is the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee which includes so many experienced selectors."

Cricket Addictor quoted Afridi as calling it the "most shocking decision" by a selection committee packed with experienced members, and noted that the scale of the changes was particularly striking because they were made midway through a series that had already been decided.

Other Criticism

Ex-Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja, who previously served as PCB chairman, also voiced his concerns. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Raja said, "I'm trying to convince myself this is all right, but it is not. It just shows Pakistan has panicked."

Former spinner Danish Kaneria was more scathing, as reported by Cricket Addictor. He said, "It's a shame that after 70 years, Pakistan has gone through such a disaster. There is no logic, selection committee, or play. They are just good for nothing. You see, such a bad performance. If a person loses, he tries and fights before losing. The fight has to be visible. Here, there's no fight. No one knows anything. The selection committee is responsible, but they are not responding. First you made Babar the captain, then removed him. But there should be a reason."

No Explanation Yet

As of the latest reports, the PCB has not publicly explained the reason for the wholesale changes. The third Test is scheduled to begin on September 9, with Pakistan trailing 2-0 in the series.