BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan’s dramatic Test squad overhaul during the ongoing series against England has drawn widespread criticism from former players, coaches and cricket commentators.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released seven players and two coaching staff members following heavy defeats in the opening two Tests.

Pakistan suffered an innings-and-103-run defeat in the first Test before England won the second match by 194 runs, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The Pakistan Test squad overhaul comes ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, scheduled to begin on September 9.

Pakistan Test Squad Overhaul Brings Major Changes

The PCB has made sweeping changes to the Pakistan Test squad and coaching setup following the team’s disappointing performances.

Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been released ahead of the final Test.

Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson and bowling specialist Ashley Noffke are expected to take charge for the deciding match.

The board has also replaced seven players in the squad, making the Pakistan Test squad overhaul one of the most significant mid-series changes in recent Pakistan cricket history.

The changes have sparked intense debate over the PCB’s approach to team selection, coaching appointments and long-term planning.

Mickey Arthur Criticises Pakistan Test Squad Overhaul

Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur strongly criticized the Pakistan Test squad overhaul, arguing that frequent changes to players, coaches and selectors have contributed to the team’s struggles.

“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 is no stability!” Arthur wrote on X.

His comments reflect concerns among several former players and cricket observers that Pakistan’s repeated changes are preventing the national team from developing consistency.

The latest overhaul has also raised questions about whether players and coaches can perform effectively when major decisions are made during an ongoing Test series.

Pakistan Faces Pressure Ahead of Final England Test

The Pakistan Test squad overhaul comes with England already holding an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Pakistan will now attempt to avoid a series whitewash when the third Test begins at Edgbaston on September 9.

The PCB’s decision to make major changes before the final match means the new coaching staff and reshuffled squad will have limited time to prepare.

Pakistan’s heavy defeats in the first two Tests have increased pressure on the cricket board, players and coaching staff.

While the PCB hopes the changes can produce an immediate turnaround, critics argue that continued instability could make it harder for Pakistan to build a consistent Test team.

The final Test will therefore provide an early test of whether the sweeping changes can deliver results or whether Pakistan’s problems require a longer-term solution.