Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the major changes made to the national Test setup during the ongoing tour of England.
Speaking on Geo News’ Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Afridi described the PCB’s recent decisions as a mistake and questioned why significant changes were made before the three-match Test series had concluded.
Afridi argued that the board should have waited until the end of the series before making major changes to the squad and coaching staff.
Afridi Calls PCB Decision a Mistake
Afridi said the PCB had made what he described as a “wrong and bad decision” by introducing sweeping changes in the middle of the series.
He expressed concern about how Pakistan’s cricket administration is perceived internationally, saying the country had become a subject of criticism because of the way decisions were being handled.
According to Afridi, even if the decision was made by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, members of the selection committee should have raised objections and pushed for a different approach.
He emphasized that major administrative and squad decisions should follow a consistent process rather than being made suddenly in response to poor results.
Questions Selection of Players for Third Test
Afridi also questioned the players selected to join the Pakistan squad for the third Test against England.
He argued that some of the players brought into the setup were primarily suited to T20 cricket, raising concerns about whether they were the right choices for a Test match environment.
The former captain suggested that Pakistan’s wider problem extends beyond individual players and coaches.
In his view, inconsistency in selection and decision-making has become a major issue within Pakistan cricket.
“There is neither consistency in our decisions nor are decisions made on merit,” Afridi said.
Advice for PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi
Afridi also advised PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to pay closer attention to cricket-related matters and the decision-making processes within the board.
He suggested that the PCB chairman should remain more directly involved in key cricketing decisions rather than leaving important responsibilities entirely to others.
Afridi’s comments reflect broader concerns about frequent changes within Pakistan cricket, particularly when the team is struggling to produce consistent results.
Questions Raised Over Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Appointment
Afridi also questioned the process through which former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was appointed head coach of the national Test team.
He said he was initially pleased when Sarfaraz joined the PCB because he expected the former captain to contribute at the Under-19 level.
However, Afridi questioned how Sarfaraz progressed to the national head coaching position within a period of only a few months.
“What kind of process is this under which Sarfaraz Ahmed was made head coach within three months?” Afridi asked.
His comments highlight his concern over what he considers a lack of clarity and consistency in the PCB’s appointments.
Pakistan Makes Major Changes After Two Defeats
Afridi’s criticism comes after Pakistan lost the first two Tests of the three-match series against England, giving the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Following the second Test, the PCB made major changes to the squad ahead of the final match.
Seven players were released from the squad, while Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah were brought into the setup.
The changes were intended to alter Pakistan’s approach for the final Test following the team’s disappointing performances in the opening matches.
Coaching Staff Also Reshuffled
The PCB also removed Sarfaraz Ahmed from his role as head coach and bowling coach Umar Gul from the Test setup.
The board subsequently handed Test team responsibilities to members of the white-ball coaching staff.
The decision represented another significant change to Pakistan’s coaching structure during the England tour.
The timing of the changes attracted considerable attention because they came before the conclusion of the Test series.
Misbah-ul-Haq Reportedly Resigns
The reshuffle also reportedly created tension within Pakistan’s selection setup.
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq reportedly resigned from the selection committee after he was allegedly not consulted regarding the replacement players sent to England.
The reported resignation added to the controversy surrounding the PCB’s decision-making process.
Afridi’s comments have now intensified the debate over how Pakistan cricket should handle poor performances and whether major structural changes should be made during a series or after its conclusion.
With the England series already decided, attention will now turn toward Pakistan’s future Test plans and whether the PCB’s latest changes can produce greater consistency in the national team.
