ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur and ex-captains Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik have criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over major changes to the national squad and coaching staff during the Test series against England.
Arthur described the PCB’s decisions as “absolutely ridiculous” and criticised the board for repeatedly changing players, coaches and selectors.
“This is the reason they are in the mess they are in because they constantly chop and change players, coaches and selectors,” Arthur said.
He said Pakistan needed planning, stability and a proper structure to achieve consistent performances.
Absolutely ridiculous decisions by the PCB-this is the reason they are in the mess they are because they constantly chop and change players,coaches and selectors and there in no stability!
Planning,stability and structure =Consistent performance!! https://t.co/LQzN94hf0Z— Mickey Arthur (@Mickeyarthurcr1) August 31, 2026
Shahid Afridi also questioned the reasoning behind the changes in the mid series.
“Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision” he said.
He also questioned the selection of replacements, saying T20 players had been brought into the squad for a Test match in England.
Afridi asked why the coach had been removed after just five Test matches.
Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision! Even the replacements make no sense – T20 players have been included for a Test match in England? What is this thinking and approach? Why has the coach been axed after 5 Test matches? This is the most shocking decision…
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) August 31, 2026
He described the move as one of the most surprising decisions made by a selection committee that includes experienced selectors.
Shoaib Malik also raised concerns over the reported treatment of players dropped from the squad.
He said players who had been removed remained Pakistan internationals who had represented the country. He criticised language suggesting that some players should be sent home on the “first flight”.
Malik said accountability should begin with those responsible for decisions that had damaged the system, rather than players who had spent time on the bench or played only two or three Tests.
The players dropped from the squad are still our national cricketers who have served Pakistan. Phrases like "sent on the first flight back" are disrespectful.
Accountability should start with those who broke the system, not with players specially those who were on the bench or…
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) August 31, 2026
He said players should be held accountable after a tour rather than during a series.
Malik also warned that repeated failures, criticism on social media and fear of being dropped could place players under severe mental pressure.
He said such an environment could instil a fear of failure among players.
The PCB has made major changes to the squad and coaching staff during the England series.
Five players dropped from the squad — Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad — had already featured in the series.
Aamer Jamal and Mohammad Owais Jafar were sent home without playing a match, according to the available information.
The PCB also removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant coach Umar Gul from their roles. White-ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke were given coaching responsibilities.
The changes have prompted former cricketers to question the PCB’s team selection, policies and administrative stability.
