Kamran Akmal criticises PCB over releasing seven players midway through England Test series

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to release seven players from the squad midway through the England Test series, arguing that the move could have a damaging impact on the remaining members of the team.

The PCB confirmed on Monday evening that Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq were among the seven players sent back to Pakistan after the team's disappointing results in the first two Tests against England. The board also announced seven replacements ahead of the third and final Test in Birmingham. In another major shake-up, Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were released from their roles, with white-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke taking over.

Akmal questioned the need to send senior players home when they could simply have been left out of the playing XI. “There was one more Test left. You could have had both Agha and Rizwan in the squad. You could have dropped them from the playing XI. You should have kept them in the squad. They are your senior players. They have been captains. Sending them back is not a good message for the remaining players,” Akmal said on the ‘Game Plan’ show.

The former wicketkeeper-batter believes the decision could increase the pressure on those still in the squad, particularly with Pakistan already struggling during the series. “This will result in more pressure for the remainder of the team. It is not a good decision; if you are sending them back, then the chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, needs to rejig the entire system. Make a new team. This decision to send back players is not good for our country, and it doesn't send a good message to the rest of the world,” he added.

Agha's situation has also raised questions over the timing of the decision. He captained Pakistan in the opening Test at Headingley in Babar Azam's absence but was subsequently dropped when the regular captain returned for the Lord's Test.

Rizwan, meanwhile, endured a difficult series with the bat. He managed only 61 runs across his four innings against England and was also criticised for his shot selection and lack of game awareness.

Imam's situation was different. After struggling in the opening Test, the opener picked up a calf injury while fielding on the first day of the second Test. He did not come out to bat afterwards, leading to questions over the seriousness of the injury. The controversy intensified when a former Pakistan selector later alleged that Imam had previously faked injuries.