# Pakistan cricket team leadership and squad overhaul > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pakistan-cricket-team-leadership-and-squad-overhaul > Updated: 2026-09-20T16:18:50.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2. Following a 3-0 Test series defeat in England, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) implemented a major overhaul of the national team. This included the dismissal of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, the appointment of Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke to the coaching staff, and the release of seven players, including Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha. Pakistan captain Babar Azam stated that the radical changes to the squad and coaching staff were “news to me” and that he was only informed after the decisions were finalized. He also noted he had no knowledge of an internal PCB investigation into team discipline. In response to these developments, former captain Wasim Akram criticized Azam’s decision to accept the Test captaincy, suggesting the role brought unnecessary complications. Akram specifically questioned the effectiveness of a captain who appeared unaware of significant organizational decisions during the tour. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-20: Wasim Akram criticizes Babar Azam over Test captaincy decision Wasim Akram criticized Babar Azam’s decision to accept Pakistan’s Test captaincy, citing leadership confusion during a recent 3-0 series defeat in England. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wasim-akram-criticizes-babar-azam-over-test-captaincy-decision ### 2026-09-08: Babar Azam claims lack of consultation over Pakistan squad and coaching changes Pakistan captain Babar Azam stated he was not consulted regarding the PCB's decision to overhaul the squad and coaching staff ahead of the third Test against England. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/babar-azam-claims-lack-of-consultation-over-pakistan-squad-and-coaching-changes --- Cite as: Pakistan cricket team leadership and squad overhaul. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pakistan-cricket-team-leadership-and-squad-overhaul