Pakistan’s sweeping changes ahead of the third Test against England have come under heavy criticism, with former head coach Mickey Arthur describing the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to release seven players and two coaches mid-series as “absolutely ridiculous”.
The PCB made the major overhaul following Pakistan’s 194-run defeat to England at Lord’s, a result that left them 2-0 down in the three-Test series and extended their poor run in the longest format.
Former Pakistan head coach Arthur questioned the board’s repeated changes to players, coaches and selectors, arguing that the lack of stability has contributed to Pakistan’s struggles.
“Absolutely ridiculous decisions by the PCB – this is the reason they are in the mess they are in because they constantly chop and change players, coaches and selectors, and there is no stability! Planning, stability and structure = Consistent performance!!” Arthur wrote on X.
The PCB released former white-ball captain Salman Ali Agha, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, opening batter Imam-ul-Haq, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad from the Test squad after the Lord’s defeat.
Red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed, with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke taking charge of the backroom staff for the remainder of the England tour.
Kevin Pietersen, Shahid Afridi question PCB’s decision
Arthur was not the only former international cricketer to question the sweeping changes.
Former England batter Kevin Pietersen expressed disbelief at Pakistan making such major alterations in the middle of a Test series.
“What on this might planet am I reading about Pakistan making all these changes and sending players home etc. It can’t be real?! Surely?” Pietersen wrote on X.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi also questioned the logic behind the selections, particularly the inclusion of players with limited Test experience.
“Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision! 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 5 Test matches? This is the most shocking decision,” Afridi wrote, as quoted by Cricinfo.
The PCB has brought in seven replacements, including five players yet to play Test cricket. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have played eight and two Tests respectively, are the two capped additions.
Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas, left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jnr, wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig, pace-bowling all-rounders Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razaullah are the uncapped players added to the squad.
Pakistan face uphill task after Lord’s defeat
The changes come during a difficult period for Pakistan in Test cricket. The defeat at Lord’s was their 15th loss in their last 20 Tests and left them at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings.
The team will now attempt to avoid a series clean sweep when the third Test begins at Edgbaston in Birmingham on September 9.
Pakistan’s squad for the third Test includes Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique and Ubaid Shah.
With Pakistan already trailing 0-2, the focus at Edgbaston will now be on whether the dramatic mid-series overhaul can produce an immediate turnaround or add to the instability that has drawn criticism from former players and coaches.