Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter
The turmoil follows a heavy 194-run defeat at Lord’s, which prompted the PCB to send seven players, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, and bowling coach Umar Gul home ahead of the final Test at Edgbaston. In their place, white-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke have been tasked with overseeing the red-ball side, while Misbah-ul-Haq has resigned from both the selection panel and his role as a batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy.
Questioning the Mid-Series Overhaul
Atiq-uz-Zaman expressed deep frustration regarding the timing and logic behind these sweeping changes. He specifically questioned the exclusion of players like Khurram Shehzad and Ali Usman, the latter of whom was the leading wicket-taker in the Leeds Test. He suggested that the introduction of T20-focused bowlers into the Test squad appeared to be driven by personal preferences rather than tactical necessity, further destabilizing a team already struggling for form.
The former wicketkeeper also defended the reputations of Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul, noting their past successes as World Cup winners. While Atiq-uz-Zaman admitted he had reservations about Sarfaraz’s initial appointment as Test coach due to a lack of prior experience, he argued that once the decision was made, the board had a responsibility to provide proper support rather than dismissing them mid-series. He characterized the move as disrespectful and questioned the accountability of those who made the original appointments.
Criticism of Player Commitment
Beyond the board's administrative decisions, Atiq-uz-Zaman took aim at opener Imam-ul-Haq for his decision not to bat during the Lord’s Test due to a Grade 1 calf tear. Drawing comparisons to other players who have performed through significant injuries, such as Glenn Maxwell and Chris Woakes, Atiq-uz-Zaman argued that the opener should have attempted to bat regardless of his physical condition to demonstrate commitment to the team.
Despite the current instability, Atiq-uz-Zaman encouraged the remaining players to focus on their individual skills and enjoy their cricket during the final Test at Edgbaston. He emphasized that while the talent within the country remains undeniable, the PCB requires more professional leadership and a structured, supportive environment to ensure that players can reach their full potential on the international stage.
