‘Ridiculous decisions by PCB’ – Ex-Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur slams selectors for squad overhaul after Lord’s defeat

Pakistan announced a major squad overhaul on Monday, August 31, 2026, following a 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord’s. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released seven players from the Test squad and made seven replacements, alongside changes to the coaching staff. The Lord’s loss gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, with the third Test scheduled to begin September 9 at Edgbaston.

Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur responded sharply to the squad changes on social media. Arthur was coach when Pakistan rose to World No. 1 in Tests and lifted the Champions Trophy in 2017. The 58-year-old expressed his disapproval of the PCB’s decision-making process.

“Absolutely ridiculous decisions by the PCB-this is the reason they are in the mess they are in because they constantly chop and change players, coaches and selectors, and there is no stability! Planning, stability and structure =Consistent performance!!” Arthur wrote on X.

Players released and replacements named

The seven players released from the squad were Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad. The replacements comprised five uncapped players and two capped players. Saim Ayub has featured in eight Tests and Abdullah Fazal in two Tests. Arafat Minhas has four T20I and three ODI appearances.

Among the uncapped additions were Mohammad Imran Jnr, a left-arm fast bowler, Saad Baig, a wicketkeeper-batter who was named player of the tournament in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26, Muhammad Imran, a right-arm pace all-rounder, and Razaullah, a right-arm pace all-rounder.

Coaching staff changes announced

The PCB also made changes to the coaching staff. Sarfaraz Ahmed stepped down from his position, and bowling coach Umar Gul was released, with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke set to take their places. The scale of the changes drew criticism from observers of Pakistan cricket.

Also Read: Babar Azam says he hasn’t heard of PCB threat over Imran Khan’s sons interview

Pakistan are languishing at the bottom of the World Test Championship and only have pride to play for in the last game of the series in Birmingham. Babar Azam and Co. would want to give their passionate fans something to cheer for in the dead rubber.