Former Pakistan cricketer
The PCB confirmed on Monday that Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and Imam-ul-Haq were among the seven players sent home. Alongside these squad changes, the board announced a significant restructuring of the coaching staff, releasing Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, while appointing white-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke to oversee the final Test in Birmingham.
Concerns over squad management and team morale
Speaking on the show 'Game Plan', Akmal questioned the necessity of sending senior players back to Pakistan when they could have simply been excluded from the playing XI. He argued that retaining them within the squad would have been more beneficial for the team's environment. Akmal emphasised that players of such experience, some of whom have served as captains, deserve better treatment, noting that their sudden removal sends a discouraging message to the remaining squad members.
The former wicketkeeper-batter expressed concern that the decision would only increase the pressure on the players remaining in England. He suggested that if the board felt such drastic measures were required, it indicated a deeper need for a systemic overhaul by chairman
Context behind the squad changes
The decision to release these specific players follows a period of mixed fortunes and individual struggles. Salman Ali Agha had captained the side in the opening Test at Headingley during Babar Azam’s absence but was omitted from the playing XI once the regular captain returned for the second Test at Lord's. Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan faced scrutiny for his form, managing only 61 runs across four innings, with his shot selection and game awareness coming under fire.
The situation regarding Imam-ul-Haq was further complicated by fitness concerns. After a difficult outing in the first Test, the opener sustained a calf injury while fielding on the opening day of the second Test and did not bat in the match. The timing of his departure has been subject to additional scrutiny following allegations from a former selector regarding the legitimacy of his injury.
