Last Updated on 14 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey
Pakistan have made major changes to their squad and coaching staff ahead of the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston. The changes follow a crushing 194-run defeat in the second Test that gave England an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
Remarkably, seven players were released from the squad along with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. Pakistan have called white-ball coach Mike Hesson to take over for the Edgbaston Test.
Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad were the seven released. Five uncapped players have been called up, namely Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal are the only two with Test caps, but have played a combined 10 Tests.
Reactions: Fans, pundits, former coaches in disbelief of squad changes in Pakistan’s latest episode
There is plenty of strong reaction from cricket fans and experts on social media after the decision to make so many changes. Many fans are shocked at the decision to send home two coaches and release seven players in the middle of the tour, which creates a sense of panic.
For example, here is what Harsha Bhogle said about this bizzarity: “Trust Pakistan cricket to do the unbelievable. Salman Agha, captain in the first test, dropped from the second, sent home before the third! Coach and bowling coach gone midway through a series. Senior keeper sent home. Replacements hoping to get visas in time, let alone be ready for a test match. As always, more action off the field!”
Pakistan’s Cricinfo correspondent also didn’t mince words, writing “The Pakistan side has instead become the PCB’s instrument of administrative rage, mirror of its own impotence, and plaything for its sadistic cruelty.”
The likes of Mickey Arthur have been scathing of the PCB and their constant chopping and changing.
“Absolutely ridiculous decisions by the PCB = this is the reason they are in the mess they are because they constantly chop and change players, coaches and selectors and there is no stability! Planning, stability and structure = Consistent performance!!” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The likes of Shahid Afridi and Kevin Pietersen have also expressed their shock. Here are some of the reactions.
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