Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Pakistan cricket turmoil deepens as PCB reshuffles Test team
Pakistan’s cricket team is going through a major disagreement with its cricket board.
The board sent seven players home during a Test series in England.
It also asked another coach, Mike Hesson, to lead the Test team.
This could end Sarfaraz Ahmed’s time as head coach and Umar Gul’s time as bowling coach.
Chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq offered to resign, but the board has not accepted his resignation.
The board also asked the selectors to explain why they chose Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan.
Former players and coach Mickey Arthur said the changes were unfair and damaging.
They said teams need stability and that the players sent home could be hurt mentally.
The PCB has given the selectors 24 hours to respond.
The Pakistan Cricket Board recalled seven players from England midway through the Test series.
White-ball coach Mike Hesson was asked to take charge of the Test team.
The changes effectively ended head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul’s reigns.
Chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq offered to resign, but the PCB has not accepted it.
Former Pakistan players and coach Mickey Arthur criticized the board’s decisions and lack of stability.
- Who
- The Pakistan Cricket Board, the selection committee, Misbah-ul-Haq, coaches, and Pakistan’s Test players are involved.
- What
- The PCB reshuffled the Test team, recalled seven players, questioned two selections, and received Misbah-ul-Haq’s resignation offer.
- When
- The changes occurred during Pakistan’s Test series in England; Misbah offered to resign on Tuesday.
- Where
- The player recalls and team changes concern Pakistan’s Test tour of England.
- Why
- The PCB questioned the basis and rationale for selecting Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan, while the article does not specify why the seven players were recalled.
Critics of the reshuffle
Pakistan Cricket Board actions
Stability and player management
Critics of the reshuffle
Mickey Arthur, Javed Miandad, Shahid Afridi, and Shoaib Malik criticized the board, describing the changes as destabilizing, disrespectful, or unfair to players and coaches.
Pakistan Cricket Board actions
The PCB recalled seven players, changed the Test-team leadership, and issued notices to selectors as part of its response to the team situation.
Selection of Imam and Rizwan
Critics of the reshuffle
Misbah-ul-Haq was reportedly unhappy that the board questioned selections without consulting or informing him about changes to the touring squad.
Pakistan Cricket Board actions
The PCB demanded that selectors explain the selection criteria, performance considerations, and other factors behind choosing Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan.
Treatment of Sarfaraz Ahmed
Critics of the reshuffle
Shahid Afridi argued that Sarfaraz Ahmed did not deserve such a harsh decision after only five matches in charge.
Pakistan Cricket Board actions
The PCB asked Mike Hesson to take charge of the Test team, effectively ending Sarfaraz Ahmed’s reign as head coach.
- Players recalled
- Seven Pakistan players were sent home midway through the Test series in England.
- New Test-team leader
- White-ball coach Mike Hesson was asked to take charge of the Test team.
- Resignation
- Chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq offered to step down; the PCB has not accepted the resignation.
- Selection committee
- The committee comprises Aaqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Asad Shafiq.
- Show-cause deadline
- The selectors were given 24 hours to explain the selection of Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan.
- Coaching changes
- The reshuffle effectively ended Sarfaraz Ahmed’s and Umar Gul’s tenures in their coaching roles.