‘Ridiculous Decision’: PCB Faces Severe Criticism Over Team’s ‘Major Surgery’

Questions raised over major changes involving seven players and the coaching staff during the Test series against England

Islamabad: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing severe criticism over its decision to carry out another ‘major surgery’ in the national team during the Test series against England.

Following Pakistan’s heavy defeat in the Lord’s Test, the PCB dropped seven players from the squad ahead of the third and final Test. The players include Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Owais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.

They were replaced by batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah, spin all-rounder Arafat Minhas, fast bowler Mohammad Imran Junior, wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig, all-rounders Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razaullah.

The PCB also made major changes to the coaching staff. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were removed from their positions and replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke.

The decision has sparked questions from former cricketers and fans. Critics argue that despite repeated changes and experiments within the team, Pakistan cricket has failed to show consistent improvement in performance.

The idea of a ‘major surgery’ in the national team has also been discussed at the federal level over the past two years. However, despite repeated changes to players, coaches and team management, the national side continues to face difficulties.

Meanwhile, opening batter Imam-ul-Haq has returned home after missing the second Test. He was seen wearing a face mask and glasses at Lahore airport.

The PCB’s latest changes have triggered a fresh debate over the future of Pakistan cricket, its selection policy and the effectiveness of repeated changes to the team management.