PCB Accused of Running Pakistan Team by 'Remote Control'

Pakistan’s cricket administration is facing renewed criticism over its handling of the national Test team after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made sweeping changes to the squad and coaching setup during the ongoing series against England. The board replaced seven players and two coaches after Pakistan lost the first two Tests, with the changes intensifying questions about the stability of the team. Captain Babar Azam is also under growing pressure ahead of the third and final Test in Birmingham.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif accused the PCB of effectively running the national team through “remote control” and questioned whether the board has given sufficient authority to its coaches and captains. Latif particularly questioned the decision to send Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul to England before subsequently making major changes to the setup. He also raised the possibility that Babar could face further consequences if the team continues to struggle.

The PCB’s decision included sending players such as Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha back home following the defeats. Sarfaraz was also replaced for the third Test by white-ball coach Mike Hesson. Latif argued that if the board believed the captain was not following its preferred direction, it should have addressed the captaincy directly rather than making changes to the coaching staff. He questioned whether Babar could become the next major target of the board’s restructuring.

Also Read: Pakistan's Ayesha Zafar Unfazed By Rivalry, Focuses On Team Strategy Over India Hype

Criticism of the PCB has come from several former players and prominent cricket figures, who have expressed concern that making such extensive changes in the middle of a Test series could create further instability. Former England captain Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain and former Pakistan players including Ramiz Raja, Basit Ali and Shahid Afridi have also criticised the move. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, however, has defended the decision, saying the drastic measures were taken in the interest of improving the national team.

Pakistan’s struggles in Test cricket have added to the pressure on the board and the leadership group. The team has remained at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings and has not been in contention for a place in the final. The current campaign represents another difficult cycle for Pakistan, which has repeatedly made changes to its Test leadership and coaching structure. Babar himself was restored to the Test captaincy earlier this year after Shan Masood was replaced following Pakistan’s 2-0 series loss to Bangladesh.

The third Test in Birmingham therefore carries significance not only for Pakistan’s series but also for the future of its leadership and team structure. Babar’s position is likely to remain a major talking point if Pakistan suffers another defeat, particularly after the PCB’s willingness to make substantial changes midway through the series. Latif’s comments have added to speculation surrounding the captain, while the board’s response and the team’s performance in the final Test could determine the next phase of Pakistan cricket’s restructuring.

Also Read: BCCI Acts Fast: LSG Pacer Selected As Core Contingency For India Spearhead Jasprit Bumrah