Former England captain
In the wake of these losses, the PCB initiated a significant overhaul of the touring party, resulting in seven players being sent home, including Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and
Criticism of PCB Leadership and Player Treatment
Hussain, speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, clarified that his earlier frustrations regarding Pakistan’s performances were rooted in disappointment rather than mockery. He argued that the team’s poor form on the field was a separate issue from the administrative chaos that has since unfolded. According to the former England skipper, the PCB’s reactive measures have exacerbated the situation, damaging the reputation of a nation with a proud cricketing history.
A major point of contention for Hussain was the public criticism directed at Imam-ul-Haq by Aaqib Javed, the PCB’s director of high performance. After Imam suffered a calf strain on the opening day of the Lord’s Test, questions were raised regarding the severity of his injury, particularly after he was seen knocking a ball around on the fourth day. Stuart Broad had previously suggested the player's actions were performative, but Hussain focused his ire on the board’s lack of internal support.
Hussain expressed disbelief that a senior official would publicly disparage a player on television. He maintained that regardless of the medical reality of the injury, such matters should be managed privately to protect the integrity of the squad. By failing to handle the situation internally, Hussain believes the PCB has failed to provide the necessary support and respect required for its players, ultimately deepening the crisis as the team prepares for the final match of the series.
