‘Character’ questions, players removed without communication: How Pakistan’s day of chaos unfolded after England’s humiliation

Mohammad Rizwan leaves the ground after losing his wicket on day two of the second cricket Test match between England and Pakistan in London, Friday, Aug. 28, 2026. (AP Photo) Pakistan cricket has been thrown into chaos after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made sweeping changes following the team’s defeats in the first two Tests against England, with several players reportedly finding out they had been dropped only through social media posts rather than being informed by the team management.The PCB recalled seven players and replaced two coaches after Pakistan lost the series 2-0 against England.Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have also been sent home and replaced by head white-ball coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke for the third and final Test in Birmingham starting on 9 September.Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, injured opener Imam-ul-Haq, first Test captain Salman Ali Agha, spinner Ali Usman and pacer Khurram Shahzad – most of whom played in the second Test at Lord’s – were also recalled from the tour. All-rounder Aamir Jamal and batsman Awais Zafar returned home without playing a match in England.

The players found out about it through social media

According to a report published by British newspaper The Telegraph, the manner in which the PCB carried out the overhaul shocked the players.The report said several players were having a day off in London or were at the team hotel when friends and family started sending them screenshots of the PCB announcement on social media.The players were not informed before the announcement.“They were not told in advance by the team management. To say they were shocked was an understatement,” The Telegraph reported.The report added that the way the decision was handled had left the team with “the bitterest aftertaste”. It also said the international futures of several players were suddenly in doubt, with questions raised about their “character, fitness and decision-making.”

No communication from captain, coach or team management

The report said that many players privately contacted friends and family after seeing the announcement in an attempt to understand what had happened.Several of them reportedly expressed “shock and confusion” as there was no direct communication from the team management, captain or coach before the PCB statement was released.One player who featured in the series reportedly felt he was being unfairly scapegoated despite believing he had performed well.According to the report, he was in his room at the team hotel in London when the news started coming in. A friend forwarded the PCB press release to him and he had to read it twice because he initially thought it was fake.The report also stated that the players found the decision to send them home without personally informing them humiliating.The confusion continued on Tuesday when former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq resigned from the selection committee after he was not consulted by the seven players who were dropped.

Imam and Rizwan among senior players under scrutiny

The report states that Pakistan’s tour of England has already been marred by tension between the players and the PCB ahead of the team’s overhaul.Imam-ul-Haq is among the players whose future is in serious doubt after he did not bat in any innings at Lord’s due to a calf injury.The PCB is unhappy with how the injury situation has played out and believes it has reflected badly on both the player and the team, The Telegraph reported.Mohammad Rizwan is another senior player who was sent home after allegedly getting under control.According to the report, the PCB is unhappy with Rizwan’s influence in the dressing room and feels that he has become a “disruptive presence”.It also said that Rizwan’s shot selection during the Test series frustrated senior members of the team management and board officials who expected better from a player of his experience.

Sarfaraz and Umar Gul removed after poor Test

The coaching changes came after Sarfaraz Ahmed failed to improve Pakistan’s Test results during his three-month tenure as head coach.Babar Azam’s second stint as Test captain also did not improve the team’s fortunes after Shan Masood was removed from the post in May. Pakistan drew the West Indies series 1–1 under Babar, but lost both Tests in England.Pakistan have now lost 10 of their last 11 away Tests.Umar Gul was also removed as the bowling coach. According to the report, the PCB felt that he had failed to get the best out of the pace attack and his explanation that the cold weather had affected Pakistan’s bowlers in Leeds did not go down well with senior officials who felt he lacked accountability.