Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for making major changes to their Test squad during the series in England. Pakistan is currently trailing 0-2 in a three-match series after suffering two straight losses.
Arthur’s criticism came after the PCB made seven changes to the team following their heavy defeat by 194 runs at Lord’s. The PCB released seven players, including Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. They were replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke.
Arthur called these decisions “absolutely ridiculous” and blamed the PCB for lacking stability. He pointed out that constant changes to players, coaches, and selectors have led to their current struggles.
The PCB had earlier brought back Babar Azam as captain after a 1-1 draw against the West Indies. However, Pakistan lost the first Test in England by an innings and 103 runs with Salman Ali Agha leading the team due to Babar’s injury. Even with Babar back for the Lord’s Test, Pakistan struggled, failing to score 200 in either innings.
Among the players released were Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, and others. Replacements included five uncapped players and two capped batters, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal.
The third Test will take place on September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The squad includes Babar Azam, Abdullah Fazal, Shan Masood, and others.