Sports Desk: Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did not inform him in advance about the decision to remove the national team’s coaching staff and send seven players home during the ongoing Pakistan vs England Test series.
The PCB took the major decisions after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat against England at Lord’s, allowing the hosts to secure an unbeatable lead in the three-Test series.
Following the loss, head coach Sarfraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were removed, with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke brought in to oversee the team’s coaching responsibilities.
The PCB also made major changes to the playing squad, sending seven players back to Pakistan midway through the England tour. The players included experienced campaigners Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha. Several replacements were subsequently added to the squad, including players yet to make their Test debuts.
Addressing reporters before the third Test at Edgbaston, Babar said the decisions were not discussed with him beforehand and that he became aware of them later.
The Pakistan captain made it clear that the changes were decisions taken by the cricket board and said the PCB was best placed to explain the reasons behind them.
Babar also said he would accept the board’s decisions in his capacity as both Pakistan captain and player, while focusing on preparations for the final Test.
When questioned about a reported PCB inquiry into player discipline and conduct, Babar responded that he was not aware of any such investigation.
Pakistan Look to Finish England Series on Positive Note
With England already having secured the series, Babar believes the final Test provides Pakistan with an opportunity to rebuild and assess younger players.
Uncapped fast bowler Razaullah and all-rounder Arafat Minhas could make their Test debuts at Edgbaston, while Saim Ayub is in contention to return after missing earlier action.
Babar said the inclusion of young players had brought fresh energy to the Pakistan camp and created an opportunity for them to establish themselves at international level.
He acknowledged that Pakistan had little left to lose in the final Test and urged his players to play with confidence rather than being weighed down by the series result.
Pakistan will now aim to avoid a series clean sweep by England and end the tour with a strong performance at Edgbaston, Birmingham, amid significant changes to the team’s coaching staff and squad.
