‘This is why they are in disarray’: Former Pakistan coach lashes out at Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB

Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas celebrates with teammates (Reuters) Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for making sweeping changes to the team and coaching staff. His comments follow the team’s disastrous defeat at Lord’s, which saw them 2-0 up in the three-match series against England.The PCB confirmed on Monday that seven players will be sent home after Pakistan suffered a second heavy defeat in a row, losing the Lord’s Test by 194 runs. The decision also affects the coaching set-up, with Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul asked to leave England.White-ball coach Mike Hesson will now oversee Pakistan for the third and final Test in Birmingham.Arthur, who previously coached the Pakistan men’s team, questioned the PCB’s approach and accused the board of repeatedly making changes without allowing the team to develop stability.

contributed by Mickey Arthur

“Absolutely ridiculous PCB decisions – that’s why they’re in the mess they’re in because they keep chopping and changing players, coaches and selectors and there’s no stability! Planning, stability and structure = Consistent performance,” Arthur wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Seven Pakistani players sent home

The PCB’s decision came after Pakistan failed to make either of the first two Tests competitive.Pakistan were beaten by an innings and 103 runs in the opening Test before England completed another convincing victory at Lord’s, winning by 194 runs.After the latest defeat, PCB announced that Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad will return home.Seven replacements have been named, with the new group consisting of five players who are yet to make their Test debut and two who have already represented Pakistan in the format.The replacements include Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who played eight and two Tests respectively. After representing Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is, left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas was also added.

Arthur questions the constant changes to the PCB

Pakistan’s poor performances have intensified scrutiny of the team and its administration. The side failed to reach the fifth day in either Test, while their batting repeatedly collapsed under pressure.Arthur argued that the latest changes could cause even more instability in a team already struggling for consistency.The former coach believes that Pakistan’s problems cannot be solved simply by repeatedly changing players, coaches and selectors, stressing the importance of long-term planning and structure.The latest overhaul also means Hesson will have to adapt quickly to the Test environment ahead of the final game of the series.A tough tour of Pakistan has left them bottom of the World Test Championship standings with one Test still remaining against England.