A day after Pakistan drop 7 players from Test squad, selector Misbah-ul-Haq resigns

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has resigned as men's team's national selection committee member a day after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made several changes to the Test squad during England series. In addition to stepping down from the role as selector, Misbah has left the role of batting consultant at Pakistan's National Cricket Academy in Lahore. PCB is yet to accept Misbah’s resignation for both roles. 

The decision came within 24 hours of PCB's knee-jerk reaction following the 194-run defeat at Lord’s. Skipper Babar Azam wasn’t sacked but head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling Umar Gul were let go. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson was put in charge of the Test team as well with Ashley Noffke replacing Gul.

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The wholesale changes come more than a week ahead of the third and final Test of the series against Joe Root’s England at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

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7 players dropped, 5 uncapped players included

Imam-ul Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were dropped from the squad. Then, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal were recalled. Also five uncapped players — Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razanullah – were included in the squad.

Show-cause notice to selectors 

In addition, the PCB management has sought an explanation from selectors over the selection of Imam and Rizwan. The selection committee comprises of Aaqib Javed, Misbah, Sarfaraz and Asad Shafiq. They have been given 24 hours to give a written explanation on the matter.

PCB faces the heat after sacking spree

Meanwhile, PCB continues to be the laughing stock of the cricketing world. Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has criticised PCB for labelled them as 'absolutely ridiculous decisions'. He blame the constant chopping, changing of players, coaching personnel and selectors for lack of stability in Pakistan team which has led to inconsistent performances.

Former Pakistan cricketers including Shahid Afridi has also questioned the inclusion of players with limited first-class appearance for the last Test of the series.

Amidst chaos, Pakistan remain at the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table. They are also the eighth-ranked Test team, just above West Indies.