Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Mickey Arthur Leads Criticism of PCB’s Mid-Series Test Overhaul
Pakistan lost the first two Test matches against England.
After the second loss, Pakistan changed many players and coaches before the last match.
Seven players were released from the squad, including Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq.
Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were also replaced.
Former coach Mickey Arthur said the changes were “absolutely ridiculous.”
Kevin Pietersen and Shahid Afridi also questioned the decision.
Pakistan added five players who have never played a Test match, as well as Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal.
The team will now try to win the final match in Birmingham and avoid losing all three games.
Pakistan released seven players and removed two coaches after losing to England at Lord’s.
Mickey Arthur called the changes “absolutely ridiculous” and blamed instability for Pakistan’s struggles.
Kevin Pietersen questioned sending players home during a Test series, while Shahid Afridi challenged the replacement choices.
Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul for the final Test.
Pakistan, trailing 2-0, will face England at Edgbaston on September 9 while seeking to avoid a clean sweep.
- Who
- The Pakistan Cricket Board made the changes, while former coaches and players Mickey Arthur, Kevin Pietersen and Shahid Afridi criticised them.
- What
- Pakistan released seven Test players and changed its coaching staff before the third Test against England.
- When
- The overhaul followed the Lord’s defeat, with the third Test scheduled to begin on September 9.
- Where
- The series is being played in England, and the final Test will be held at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
- Why
- The changes followed Pakistan’s 194-run defeat at Lord’s and its 2-0 series deficit, although critics said the upheaval could worsen instability.
Critics of the overhaul
The PCB’s mid-series changes
Stability versus upheaval
Critics of the overhaul
Mickey Arthur said repeatedly changing players, coaches and selectors prevents planning, structure and consistent performances.
The PCB’s mid-series changes
The PCB released seven players and changed the coaching staff after Pakistan lost the first two Tests, making a substantial alteration before the final match.
Replacement selections
Critics of the overhaul
Shahid Afridi questioned the logic of including players with limited Test experience, including players he described as T20 players, for a Test in England.
The PCB’s mid-series changes
Pakistan added five uncapped players plus Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal to the squad for the third Test.
Coaching change timing
Critics of the overhaul
Afridi questioned why the coach was removed after five Test matches, while Arthur argued that frequent changes hinder team development.
The PCB’s mid-series changes
Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke for the remainder of the England tour.
- Series score
- England leads the three-match series 2-0.
- Lord’s result
- England defeated Pakistan by 194 runs; another report described the margin as 190 runs.
- Players released
- Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.
- Coaching changes
- Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul for the final Test.
- New additions
- Five uncapped players—Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razaullah—were added, along with Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal.
- Pakistan’s recent record
- The Lord’s defeat was reported as Pakistan’s 15th loss in its last 20 Tests.
- Championship position
- Pakistan was reported to be at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings.
Sources
'Absolutely Ridiculous': PCB Under Fire Following Controversial Call To Release 7 Players Ahead Of ENG vs PAK 3rd Test
'Absolutely Ridiculous': Ex-Pakistan Coach Blasts PCB Over 'Chop And Change' Culture Amid England Series Controversy