Pakistan cricket is currently navigating a tempestuous period of transition, marked by internal discord, public criticism, and a series of drastic administrative upheavals. Trailing 2-0 in their ongoing three-Test series against England, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted for a “scorched earth” strategy, triggering a roster and staff overhaul that has left observers and former players in a state of bewilderment.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Atiq-uz-Zaman has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of the current climate, describing the state of the national team as being “in shambles” and at an “all-time low.” His comments follow the PCB’s decision to send seven players home, along with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, ahead of the final Test at Edgbaston.
‘Pakistan cricket is in shambles’
The decision to shake up the squad mid-series has drawn sharp ire from cricket experts who question the logic of abandoning a selection strategy while in the middle of a campaign. Atiq-uz-Zaman, who currently resides in England but remains deeply invested in the fortunes of his home nation, expressed his dismay at the dismissal of players who appeared to be finding their rhythm.
“I don’t understand why Khurram Shehzad was dropped or why the spinner, Ali Usman, was sent home after taking the most wickets in the Leeds Test,” Atiq noted. “All of a sudden, T20 bowlers are being brought into the Test squad. Why? Because Mike Hesson has his personal favorites and he brought those players into Test cricket. It really hurts me because I want them to perform, but Pakistan cricket is currently at an all-time low.”
With white-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke now tasked with overseeing the red-ball outfit, and veteran figure Misbah-ul-Haq resigning from both the selection panel and his role at the National Cricket Academy, the team faces a vacuum of leadership during the most critical juncture of the series.
‘There is no justification for it’
Perhaps the most contentious aspect of the PCB’s recent maneuvers is the treatment of the outgoing coaching staff. Atiq-uz-Zaman was scathing in his defense of Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul, both of whom have been central figures in Pakistan’s cricketing history.
“There is no justification for it,” Atiq stated. “The same people who selected them are the ones turning around and deselecting them. That means either you made a mistake in the first place, or you are making a mistake right now. Sarfaraz and Umar Gul are greats of Pakistan cricket. Sarfaraz won a World Cup at the U19 level and then led the senior team to a Champions Trophy. He deserves respect.”
While Atiq admitted he personally disagreed with the initial appointment of a coach without prior high-level experience, he emphasized that the board’s decision to remove them mid-series was a disservice to the sport. “Once you make him the coach, you have to back him. Give him a fair chance before you disrespect him. If the players on the field can’t perform, what is a coach supposed to do?”
The Imam-ul-Haq Controversy
The frustration surrounding the team’s performance extended to individual player conduct during the second Test at Lord’s. Opener Imam-ul-Haq, sidelined by a Grade 1 calf tear, drew heavy criticism for his decision not to bat in either innings, despite being observed participating in practice sessions.
Atiq-uz-Zaman, citing the “tough” culture of Pakistan cricket, argued that true character is revealed through grit under duress. “In our culture, we are raised to be tough. If you have a muscle strain, you still step out there and bat for your team. Even if you get out on the first ball, it doesn’t matter; the public sees that you showed heart.”
Drawing parallels to icons like Glenn Maxwell—who famously battled through severe cramps to secure victory for Australia—and Saleem Malik, who once faced West Indies’ legendary pace battery with a broken arm, Atiq did not mince words regarding Imam’s choice to remain on the sidelines while appearing visibly limping in front of the media. “It leaves a bad impression… Test cricket isn’t just a test of your skills; it’s a test of your character.”
A Path Forward
Despite the prevailing chaos, Atiq-uz-Zaman maintains a sliver of optimism for the players remaining in the dressing room. He believes that the hardship embedded in Pakistan’s domestic system has paradoxically prepared the players for high-pressure environments, even if those pressures are currently stemming from their own board.
“My message to them is: enjoy your cricket, believe in your skill set, do what you can with bat and ball, and leave the rest to God,” he said.
Looking toward the future, Atiq, who serves as a scout for various England Cricket setups and coaches the German men’s team, reiterated that the talent pool in Pakistan remains vast and untapped. However, he warns that structural longevity cannot be achieved without a fundamental shift in PCB leadership.
“Hopefully, the PCB chairman changes his approach and brings in someone with genuine expertise and leadership experience to drive real structural change,” Atiq concluded. “The talent in Pakistan is undeniably there, but without the right resources and supportive structure, these players cannot reach the next level.”
As the series shifts to Edgbaston for the third and final Test, the world will be watching to see if the overhauled Pakistan side can silence the critics or if this latest round of instability will lead to yet another disappointing conclusion on English soil.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated and paraphrased.
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