Massive Shake-Up in Pakistan Team as Misbah Resigns
Pakistan cricket has been plunged deeper into crisis after former captain Misbah-ul-Haq announced his resignation from the national selection committee following a heavy defeat against England in the second Test at Lord’s.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made unprecedented changes to the national team and coaching staff the day after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat in the second Test, leaving the visitors 2–0 down in the three-match series. Soon after the sweeping changes were announced, Misbah confirmed his decision to step down from the four-member national selection committee.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Misbah has also decided to relinquish his position as batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore. However, the PCB has yet to formally accept his resignation.
The shake-up came shortly before the third and final Test at Edgbaston, with the PCB making a series of dramatic changes to the squad. Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Wais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were released from the squad and sent back to Pakistan.
The board also removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul from their positions. They were replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke, who had previously been involved with Pakistan’s white-ball setup.
With several senior players dropped, the selectors turned to a relatively inexperienced group. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal were brought into the squad, while five uncapped players—Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Junior, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Rezaullah—were also called up.
Misbah’s resignation comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding Pakistan cricket. As a member of the selection committee, he was involved in a period of major upheaval, with the latest decisions highlighting the depth of the problems facing the national side.
One of Pakistan’s most successful Test captains, Misbah retired from international cricket in 2017 and subsequently held several important positions within the PCB. In 2019, he was appointed both head coach and chief selector, holding the dual role until 2021. In March this year, he was added to the national selection committee alongside Aaqib Javed, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq.
Pakistan’s recent Test record has been particularly concerning. They have lost 15 of their last 20 Tests and currently sit at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings.
Babar Azam’s side will now travel to Birmingham for the final Test at Edgbaston, beginning on September 9, with Pakistan looking to avoid a series whitewash against England.
With the team already facing a crisis both on and off the field, the final Test could prove to be another crucial moment for Pakistan cricket.