Shoaib Malik Condemns PCB’s Mid‑Series Shake‑up, Calls for Accountability From System Breakers

Pakistan’s Test series against England has been characterized by considerable turmoil off the field. The side was defeated in the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs, and subsequently fell to a second loss by 194 runs, giving England a 2‑0 advantage in the three‑match series. The final Test is slated to start on 9 September at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

In the wake of the disappointing outcomes, the Pakistan Cricket Board dropped seven players from the squad: Mohammad Rizwan, Imam‑ul‑Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad. The board also dismissed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke slated to lead the side for the decisive encounter. The newly called‑up players are Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Junior, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has sharply criticized the way the changes were carried out.

“The players dropped from the squad are still our national cricketers who have served Pakistan. Phrases like ‘sent on the first flight back’ are disrespectful. Accountability should start with those who broke the system, not with players specially those who were on the bench or have played 2-3 test matches. Plus accountability starts once a tour is done not in the middle of it,” said Malik as quoted by Geo Super.

The psychological impact of mid‑series changes

Malik further underscored the mental strain placed on players, cautioning that relentless criticism on social media could instill a fear of failure throughout the team.

“Players should not be going through such mental stress and a social media after every bad game or the fear of failure will settle in the minds of our players,” Malik said.

Pakistan’s squad for the third Test vs England:

Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah

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