Unprecedented chaos in Pakistan cricket

Pakistan cricket has plunged into fresh turmoil after a dramatic shake-up following two crushing Test defeats to England, with former captain and selector Misbah-ul-Haq resigning in protest at decisions he was reportedly not consulted about.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced sweeping changes on Monday after England secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series. Red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was removed after just a few months in the role and replaced by white-ball coach Mike Hesson, while Australian Ashley Noffke took over from bowling coach Umar Gul.

The PCB also sent seven players home before the final Test in Birmingham, including experienced campaigners Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq. Five uncapped players have been brought into the squad, raising the possibility of several debutants when the third Test begins on September 9.

I’m trying to convince myself this is all OK, but it is not. It just shows Pakistan cricket has hit a panic button.

Former captain and ex-PCB chairman Ramiz Raja

The extraordinary decisions have triggered widespread criticism from former players and coaches, who believe the board has created more uncertainty rather than solving Pakistan’s problems.

Former coach Mickey Arthur described the situation as “absolutely ridiculous”, saying it was sad to see Pakistan cricket suffer from a lack of leadership, planning and structure. Former selector Tauseef Ahmed called the changes “unprecedented and unjust”, warning that they had created a “polluted atmosphere” around the national team.

Former captains Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik also questioned the timing of the decisions. Afridi argued that senior players should not be treated this way, while Malik stressed that accountability should come after a tour rather than during one.

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.

Former all-rounder Shahid Afridi

The crisis has been intensified by Pakistan’s dreadful performances on the field. They were beaten by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord’s. None of Pakistan’s innings in the two Tests reached 200, exposing serious weaknesses in batting, bowling and fielding.

The defeats have also extended a grim away record. Pakistan have now lost 10 of their last 11 away Tests and sit at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings.

For a cricketing nation accustomed to chaos, unpredictability was once part of Pakistan’s charm. Now, however, the upheaval risks becoming something more damaging: a cycle in which administrative turmoil overwhelms the players before they even have a chance to recover on the field.