Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Pakistan’s Football Training Draws Trolling Ahead of England Test
Pakistan’s cricket team used a football exercise during practice before its third Test against England.
The drill was likely meant to help with fitness, movement, coordination and teamwork.
Some cricket fans thought the timing looked strange because Pakistan had already lost the first two Tests.
England won the first match by an innings and 103 runs.
England won the second match by 194 runs at Lord’s.
These losses made Pakistan a target for jokes on social media.
The Pakistan Cricket Board also sent seven players home.
It replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed with Mike Hesson before the final Test.
Pakistan players were filmed taking part in a football drill before the third Test against England.
The exercise was described as part of the team’s fitness and warm-up routine.
Pakistan had already lost the three-match series after heavy defeats in the first two Tests.
England won the first Test by an innings and 103 runs and the second by 194 runs at Lord’s.
Online criticism followed further changes, with seven players sent home and Mike Hesson replacing Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach.
- Who
- Pakistan’s cricket team, England, the Pakistan Cricket Board, Mike Hesson and Sarfaraz Ahmed.
- What
- Pakistan used a football drill in training before the third Test, prompting social-media criticism after England won the first two Tests.
- When
- Ahead of the third and final Test of the series.
- Where
- The training location was not specified; the second Test was played at Lord’s.
- Why
- The football drill was part of a fitness and warm-up routine, but its timing drew criticism because Pakistan had suffered heavy defeats.
Online Critics
Training Rationale
Whether football was appropriate
Online Critics
Critics mocked Pakistan players for appearing to prepare for a football match instead of addressing their Test-cricket problems.
Training Rationale
The drill was presented as a normal fitness and warm-up exercise that can improve movement, coordination, fitness and team bonding.
The timing of the session
Online Critics
Fans argued that the exercise looked poorly timed because Pakistan had already lost the series after two heavy defeats.
Training Rationale
Supporters of the routine could view it as part of preparation for the final Test rather than a replacement for cricket practice.
- Series status
- England had already won the three-match series after taking the first two Tests.
- First Test result
- England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs.
- Second Test result
- England defeated Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord’s.
- Training activity
- Pakistan players participated in a football drill.
- Squad change
- The Pakistan Cricket Board sent seven players home.
- Coaching change
- Mike Hesson replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach before the final Test.