Pakistan cricket has undergone significant upheaval ahead of the third Test against England, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) releasing seven players and removing two coaches from the squad. The changes come after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat in the second Test, giving England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, following a loss by an innings in the first Test.
Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were released from the squad. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed ahead of the match at Edgbaston, scheduled to begin on September 9.
The PCB has also sought written explanations from the selection committee regarding the inclusion of Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq. According to Cricinfo, the notice was issued on Monday, the same day the board announced its decision to send home seven players and two coaches. The selection committee was asked to submit a written explanation within 24 hours.
From the start of 2024 until the West Indies tour, Rizwan was Pakistan's leading Test run-scorer and had the highest batting average. Imam, meanwhile, had featured in only two Tests during that period but was among the leading run-scorers in domestic cricket.
In response to the board's actions, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has offered his resignation from the Pakistan men's national selection committee. The PCB is yet to accept his resignation. Misbah also decided to step down from his role as a batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
Pakistan have brought in five uncapped players alongside Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have a combined experience of just 10 matches. The five uncapped players added to the squad are Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razaullah.
White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke have also joined the Test coaching staff ahead of the third Test.
Former Pakistan players have expressed disappointment with the handling of the situation. Saeed Ajmal wrote on X: "Pakistan Cricket Has Become a Gimmick now! Disappointed with the professionalism." Kamran Akmal posted: "Pakistan cricket ki Misaal poori duniya main nahi Is se bara mazak nahi ho sakta during series they made 7 changes including management selection committee members resignations when will we run our cricket with professionalism?"
Shoaib Malik, replying to a post by former England batter Kevin Pietersen, said: "Don't think the broadcasters would be comfortable with that. Need to get player mugshots first."