Pakistan cricket has been plunged into fresh turmoil after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made sweeping changes to the Test squad and coaching staff during the team’s tour of England.

Seven players were sent home following Pakistan’s heavy defeats in the opening two Tests, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were removed from their positions.

The manner in which the decisions were communicated has attracted even more criticism, with several players reportedly learning about their exclusion through social media posts and messages from friends and family rather than directly from the team management.

Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Zafar were the seven players sent back to Pakistan. Some had featured in the series, while others had not played a Test.

According to a report by Pakistani cricket journalist Saj Sadiq, the players were shocked by the announcement and unhappy with the lack of direct communication from the PCB or team management.

A tour that descended into turmoil

Pakistan’s England tour had already become increasingly tense following two heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord’s. The results left the team at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings and raised serious questions about its direction.

The PCB’s decision to overhaul almost half of the touring squad was described as an extraordinary response to the team’s performances and the growing tension behind the scenes.

The report says several players privately expressed shock and confusion after learning of the changes, with one player reportedly believing the announcement was a mistake or fake statement when it was first forwarded to him.

The situation was further complicated when former captain Misbah-ul-Haq reportedly resigned from the selection committee after not being consulted over the changes.

Imam-ul-Haq controversy

Opener Imam-ul-Haq is among the players whose international future has come under serious scrutiny.

Imam did not bat in either innings at Lord’s after suffering what was described as a calf injury. His decision attracted criticism from several former England and Pakistan players, while the PCB is reportedly seeking a detailed assessment of the injury and the circumstances surrounding his inability to bat.

The issue has reignited wider concerns about injury management, player fitness and accountability within Pakistan cricket.

Rizwan also dropped

Mohammad Rizwan was another senior player removed from the touring squad.

According to the report, PCB officials have concerns about Rizwan’s influence within the dressing room and his recent performances with the bat. His shot selection during the Test series reportedly frustrated figures within the team management and board.

The decision represents a major change for a player who has been regarded as one of Pakistan’s most resilient senior cricketers.

Coaches removed

The coaching structure has also been dramatically altered.

Sarfaraz Ahmed was dismissed as head coach midway through the series despite having only recently taken charge. His previous coaching experience had largely been at under-19 level, along with a two-Test assignment in the Caribbean.

Bowling coach Umar Gul was also removed after Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled during the tour.

Gul, a former Pakistan fast bowler, had been tasked with improving the country’s pace attack. His explanation that cold weather contributed to Pakistan’s poor performance at Leeds reportedly angered senior PCB officials.

Controversy beyond the cricket field

Pakistan’s tour was also overshadowed by an off-field dispute involving a Sky Sports programme featuring interviews with the sons of former Pakistan captain Imran Khan.

The PCB reportedly complained about the broadcast and was unhappy that it had only become aware of the programme after promotional material began circulating.

There was also a reported threat that Pakistan might refuse to return to the field after lunch, although there was no official confirmation that such a boycott was actually being considered.

Questions over PCB leadership

The latest upheaval has once again placed the PCB’s decision-making and governance under scrutiny.

The sweeping changes may have been intended to demonstrate decisive leadership following Pakistan’s poor performances, but the manner in which they were implemented has instead raised questions about communication, planning and professionalism.

With senior players removed, coaches dismissed and uncertainty surrounding several players’ futures, Pakistan face the difficult task of rebuilding both their Test team and the confidence of their players.

For a cricketing nation with a proud history, the England tour has become a damaging episode, with the crisis now extending well beyond results on the field.