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Pakistan cricket management and squad overhaul
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2026-09-04 06:41 UTC → 2026-09-05 04:16 UTC ·
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Pakistan cricket team management and squad overhaul
The Pakistan cricket team is experiencing significant management and continues to face internal turmoil following a massive squad upheaval and coaching overhaul during its three-Test Test tour of England following a period of poor performance. The England. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), led by Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, has relieved (PCB) previously removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul Gul, new reports indicate that Saqlain Mushtaq has also been removed as part of their duties. While both coaches were expected to remain for the third Test in Birmingham, the white-ball coaching panel is now set to oversee the team at Edgbaston. Mike Hesson is expected to take over coaching responsibilities and may be appointed permanent head coach for upcoming home series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. a broader ‘clean-up’ exercise. In addition to the coaching changes, the PCB has taken drastic action regarding launched a committee inquiry into the playing squad. Seven players—Mohammad conduct of several players, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, and Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, and Muhammad Awais Zafar—were sent home mid-series. Reports indicate these Agha. While Rizwan’s exclusion was partly attributed to poor form, reports suggest that dressing room conduct was also a significant factor. These players were not notified in advance, learning of may be summoned to explain their behavior during recent tours. Administrative restructuring is also underway. Chief selector Aaqib Javed may be reassigned to the decision through social media High-Performance Centre, and family messages. Former coach Jason Gillespie described the process as “disrespectful.” These developments follow a historic decline in performance, including heavy losses at Headingley and Lord’s. For the first time since 1987, Pakistan’s cumulative Test record has turned negative, with 154 losses against 153 wins. The team has lost 15 of its last 20 Test matches and sits at new selection committee is expected to be announced after the bottom of final Test. Amidst this instability, Mike Hesson remains a candidate for the World Test Championship standings. permanent head coach position. Internal tension has emerged following tensions persist regarding the overhaul. Chairman of selectors decision-making process. Aaqib Javed previously claimed the selection committee’s advice to that captain Babar Azam ignored selection committee advice to drop certain players was ignored. This players, a claim that prompted criticism from former captain Rashid Latif and Jason Gillespie, with to question whether the latter stating captain himself would be the next target for removal. Former coach Jason Gillespie has maintained that the team appears to be “playing with fear” due to a lack of clear strategy. strategy and has described the method of informing players of their removal as “disrespectful.”
Versions
- 2026-09-05 04:16 UTC Pakistan cricket management and squad overhaul
- 2026-09-04 06:41 UTC Pakistan cricket team management and squad overhaul
- 2026-09-02 01:46 UTC Pakistan cricket team management and squad overhaul
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