Former Pakistan international
Ajmal’s comments follow a period of intense scrutiny surrounding the Pakistan team, particularly after a heavy defeat against England at Lord's. In the wake of that result, the PCB implemented significant structural changes, including the removal of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, alongside the decision to send seven players home. Among those released was Imam-ul-Haq, who faced scrutiny regarding his fitness status during the series.
Allegations of Mismanagement and Internal Control
The former cricketer directed specific criticism toward Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed and white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, who has been tasked with overseeing the Test side for the upcoming third match at Edgbaston. Ajmal claimed that the pair currently wield excessive influence over team affairs, suggesting that their decision-making process is driven by ego rather than long-term strategic planning. He asserted that this concentration of power is a primary factor behind the team's current decline, stating that the national setup has effectively regressed by a decade.
Ajmal further challenged the narrative presented by PCB chairman
Context of the England Series
The tension within the Pakistan camp comes as the team faces the prospect of a series whitewash against England. With the series already surrendered, the focus has shifted to the final Test match, where the team will look to avoid a clean sweep under the revised coaching structure. The PCB continues to maintain that its recent interventions are aimed at improving results, while critics like Ajmal maintain that the constant upheaval is the root cause of the team's ongoing difficulties.
