Pakistan cricket turmoil deepens as chief selector resigns after squad overhaul

The Pakistan cricket team is in turmoil after the Pakistan Cricket Board made sweeping changes to its squad and coaching staff mid-tour, releasing seven players and two coaches following heavy defeats in the first two Tests against England. The move, announced on August 31, 2026, came a day after England secured an unassailable 2-0 series lead with a 194-run victory at Lord's. The shakeup has since led to the resignation of chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq. The PCB sent home head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, bowling coach Umar Gul, and seven players, including senior batters Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and Imam-ul-Haq. The board stated that white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and assistant coach Ashley Noffke would take charge for the final Test, scheduled to begin on September 9 at Edgbaston. Five uncapped players, along with Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, were called up as replacements. The drastic action followed a dismal run of form. Pakistan lost the first Test in Leeds by an innings and 104 runs and the second at Lord's by 194 runs. The team's batting has been a particular concern, failing to reach 200 in any of the four innings across the two matches.