Pakistan makes 7 changes in team after series loss to England, Misbah resigns

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dropped seven cricketers from the squad mid-series after successive heavy defeats against England in two Tests. Amid this, the country’s former captain Misbah-Ul-Haq has resigned from the selection committee.

Pakistan will play the third and final Test of the series against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham on September 9. The visitors have already lost the series 2-0 after suffering an innings defeat in the first Test and a 194-run defeat in the second Test. None of Pakistan’s four innings in the two Tests could cross 200 runs.

Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal and Mohammad Awais Zafar have been dropped for the team’s failure. Among them, Rizwan, Imam, Salman, Ali Usman and Khurram played in the ongoing series. On the other hand, Aamir Jamal and Awais are returning home without getting the opportunity to take the field in any match.

Seven more cricketers have been included in the team in place of the seven dropped players. Along with Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal who have Test playing experience, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Junior, Saeed Beg, Mohammad Imran and Rajaullah have received call-ups to the Test squad for the first time. Among the new ones, there are spin all-rounders, pacers, wicketkeeper and all-rounders.

Meanwhile, Misbah-ul-Haq has stepped down from the selection committee amid such a big change in team selection. Citing relevant sources, it has been learnt that he has sent the resignation letter to PCB via e-mail. The source claimed that Misbah was dissatisfied as proper consultation was not held with him before selecting the Test team for the England tour. He was also concerned about the team’s recent performance.

Earlier, changes have also been made in Pakistan’s coaching structure. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul have been removed from responsibility and white-ball coach Mike Hesson has been associated with the Test team’s activities. Australian former pacer Ashley Noffke has been given responsibility along with him. However, former captain and former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has criticised making so many changes together mid-series. According to him, this decision is a reflection of the panic created in Pakistan cricket.