‘Ab pachhtaye kya, jab…’ – Usama Mir launches veiled attack on PCB after Pakistan’s England tour crisis deepens

Usama Mir (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

Pakistan’s tour of England descended into crisis following consecutive Test defeats in August 2026. The team lost the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs on August 19, then suffered another loss at Lord’s on August 27, where England won by 194 runs. Pakistan’s batting collapse was particularly stark in the second Test, with the side bowled out for 110 in the first innings and 194 in the second innings while chasing 389.

Following these back-to-back defeats, the Pakistan Cricket Board responded with sweeping changes to the squad and coaching structure ahead of the third Test scheduled to begin on September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

The PCB released seven players, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad. The board also replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, bringing in new leadership to salvage the tour.

Usama Mir’s veiled criticism of PCB and team management

Usama Mir’s cryptic remarks came soon after the Pakistan Cricket Board made sweeping changes midway through the series following two heavy defeats to England.

“Amazing how someone managed to destroy the entire system, and nobody even noticed,” Usama Mir wrote on X.

“Ab pachhtaye kya, jab chidiya chug gayin khet.” Mir added.

The popular Hindi-Urdu proverb refers to a situation where action is taken, or regret is expressed, only after the damage has already been done. Mir did not directly name the PCB or any individual in either of his posts.

The PCB appointed Mike Hesson to lead the Test side and brought in Ashley Noffke to strengthen the backroom team. Seven replacements were called up to the squad, including Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, though five of the incoming players had yet to play Test cricket.

Mir’s comments highlighted the tension between the board’s reactive restructuring and broader concerns about how the team’s preparation and management had contributed to the early Test losses. The third Test at Edgbaston would provide the new-look Pakistan side an opportunity to respond under fresh leadership.

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