Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has resigned from the national cricket team’s selection committee, according to sources, amid growing uncertainty surrounding the team’s selection and management following a disappointing England tour.
Sources said Misbah submitted his resignation to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after reportedly being left out of key discussions regarding the players selected for the England tour.
The former captain is believed to have stepped down because he was not consulted over the players who were sent to England, with the disagreement coming at a difficult time for Pakistan cricket.
Misbah’s resignation adds another layer of uncertainty to the national team setup as Pakistan prepares for the third and final Test against England.
Misbah reportedly unhappy over lack of consultation
According to sources, Misbah was not consulted about the selection of players sent to England. The development reportedly played a major role in his decision to resign from the selection committee.
The resignation comes after Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat in the second Test at Lord’s, allowing England to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is now expected to oversee further changes to the squad as the team attempts to avoid a series whitewash in the final Test.
Several players face squad changes
Sources said Pakistan has already begun making significant changes to its squad following the team’s poor performances.
Seven players were reportedly sent back to Pakistan during the tour. Among those named were wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and opener Imam-ul-Haq.
Salman Ali Agha is expected to be released from the Test squad, while all-rounder Aamer Jamal could also be released.
Despite his expected release from the Test squad, Salman is reportedly likely to remain in England.
The changes indicate that Pakistan’s management is considering a major reshuffle, with younger players expected to receive opportunities in the final Test.
Young players likely to join Pakistan squad
Young batter Saim Ayub is among the players expected to travel to England as part of the squad changes.
Arafat Minhas, wicketkeeper Saad Masood, Saad Baig and Abdullah Fazal are also expected to travel to England.
Sources said visa applications are being submitted for Imran Junior and Razaullah, who could join the squad at a later stage if their documentation is completed.
The expected additions come as Pakistan looks to strengthen its squad and assess younger players during a difficult period for the national team.
England secure series victory
Pakistan’s squad changes follow a disappointing second Test at Lord’s, where England defeated Pakistan by 194 runs.
England scored 290 in their first innings before Pakistan were dismissed for just 110. The hosts then produced 389 in their second innings, leaving Pakistan with a difficult target.
Pakistan failed to complete the chase, handing England a 2-0 lead and securing the series for the hosts.
The result has increased pressure on Pakistan’s team management ahead of the third Test.
Selection issues add to Pakistan’s challenges
Misbah-ul-Haq’s resignation comes at a time when Pakistan cricket is facing questions over team selection, squad balance and management decisions.
The former captain’s reported concerns about a lack of consultation could further intensify scrutiny of the selection process.
With several players being released and young cricketers expected to be brought into the squad, Pakistan appears ready to make significant changes before the final Test.
The team management will now have to balance the need for immediate results with the longer-term objective of rebuilding the national side.
For Pakistan, the final Test will provide an opportunity to restore some confidence after two defeats, while the changes around the selection committee could signal a broader rethink of the team’s approach.
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