Usama Mir Slams PCB Amidst Major Overhaul Following England Test Debacle
Pakistan leg-spinner Usama Mir has launched a blistering, albeit veiled, critique of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the national team’s management. His remarks come in the wake of sweeping personnel changes triggered by the team’s disastrous performance in the ongoing Test series against England.
After suffering back-to-back defeats at Headingley and Lord’s, Pakistan has already conceded the three-match series. In a drastic attempt to salvage pride before the final Test in Birmingham, the PCB opted for a complete structural reset, recalling seven players and removing key coaching staff.
“Destroying the System”
Mir took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration with the current state of affairs. While he refrained from naming specific officials, his pointed commentary struck a nerve among fans and critics alike.
“Amazing how someone managed to destroyed entire system, and nobody even noticed,” Mir wrote. He further emphasized the gravity of the situation using the Hindi proverb, “Ab pachhtaye kya, jab chidiya chug gayin khet”—a sentiment equating to “there is no use crying over spilt milk.”
Radical Changes in the Ranks
The PCB’s response to the series loss has been swift and unforgiving. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been sent home, with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke appointed to oversee the final Test on September 9.
The squad overhaul is equally extensive. Seven players, including wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, opening batter Imam-ul-Haq, and first-Test captain Salman Ali Agha, have been recalled. The exodus also includes spinner Ali Usman, pacer Khurram Shahzad, and all-rounder Aamir Jamal and batter Awais Zafar—the latter two returning without having featured in a single match during the tour.
A Pattern of Decline
The tenure of Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach has been cut short following a dismal run of results. Under his leadership, Pakistan suffered five defeats in six away Tests, including losses in Bangladesh and the West Indies.
The pressure is also mounting on Babar Azam, whose second stint as Test captain has struggled to yield positive results. Despite a 1-1 series draw in the West Indies earlier this year, the team’s inability to compete in England has highlighted a deeper crisis within Pakistan cricket. With 10 losses in their last 11 away Tests, the national side finds itself in the midst of one of its most challenging phases in recent history, prompting calls for structural accountability from players like Mir.
