Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Pakistan Cricket Board Overhaul Draws Criticism Around Babar Azam
Pakistan’s cricket team is going through major changes during its series against England.
The team lost the first two Tests.
After those losses, the Pakistan Cricket Board changed seven players and two coaches.
Some people criticized PCB head Mohsin Naqvi for making too many decisions himself.
They said the coaches and captains should have more control.
Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan were sent home.
Mike Hesson replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed for the last Test.
The changes have increased pressure around captain Babar Azam and the team.
PCB head Mohsin Naqvi has faced criticism over alleged remote-control management of Pakistan’s senior men’s team.
The board replaced seven players and two coaches for the ongoing series against England.
The changes followed Pakistan’s defeats in the first and second Tests against England.
Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan were among the players sent home.
White-ball coach Mike Hesson replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed for the third and final Test in Birmingham.
- Who
- The Pakistan Cricket Board, head Mohsin Naqvi, captain Babar Azam, coaches, and Pakistan’s senior men’s team are central to the report.
- What
- The PCB made a major squad overhaul, replacing seven players and two coaches during the England series.
- When
- During the current series against England, before the third and final Test.
- Where
- The third and final Test is scheduled for Birmingham.
- Why
- The changes came after Pakistan lost the first and second Tests, while critics also objected to the PCB’s alleged remote-control management.
- Board
- Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
- PCB head
- Mohsin Naqvi
- Series opponent
- England
- Tests lost
- Pakistan lost the first and second Tests
- Squad changes
- Seven players and two coaches were replaced
- Players sent home
- Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan
- Coaching change
- Mike Hesson replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed for the third Test
- Final Test venue
- Birmingham