Multan Sultans CEO Gohar Shah Criticizes Pakistan Cricket Board's Squad and Coaching Overhaul

Former Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and captain Babar Azam (AFP Photo)

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) stunning overhaul of the Test squad and coaching staff has become a major talking point in the cricket world, with Multan Sultans CEO Gohar Shah joining the growing chorus of criticism surrounding the changes. The PCB released seven players from the Test squad ahead of the third Test against England at Edgbaston, beginning September 9. Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were among those released.Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were also removed as head coach and bowling coach respectively, with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke brought in for the remainder of the England tour. The changes came after Pakistan suffered an innings-and-103-run defeat in the first Test before England won the second by 194 runs at Lord’s.

Gohar Shah delivers blunt assessment

Shah, 31, who has himself played two first-class matches, posted a lengthy assessment of Pakistan cricket on X, admitting that his comments could have consequences but saying he owed the game an honest assessment. "This may land me in hot water but I owe an honest assessment to Pakistan cricket. I was a fan before I was a stakeholder. "Things I’ve observed from my playing days + actively being involved with the PSL, dressing room and PCB leadership," he wrote. Shah then raised concerns over professionalism among players, including diet, workload and attitude. "Late nights and junk food are common. Now I understand living on hotel food and being stuck for 6 weeks is tough, but the word “professional” has to mean something," he wrote. He also questioned the intensity shown by players during Test matches. "No one wants to do the tough yards. It’s a mentality thing. Like for instance a few times in the test match after a long spell the pace bowlers didn’t run after the ball. What are you saving your legs for? The test match ended in 2.5 days…"

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‘Job first, Pakistan later’

Shah also turned his attention to Pakistan’s wider cricket ecosystem, including journalists, former players and the PCB. On the media, he wrote: "Journalists all pushing their own agendas, And they build narratives on who they like / who caters for them more I.e these things may or may not be leaks , gifts, favours." He was equally critical of former players who comment on the game without taking up coaching roles. "Barring a few who actually worked and got their coaching badges and qualifications most find it more comfortable to go on tv and just iterate the problems. No one presents the solutions nor goes out there and gets the experience / qualifications to contribute." Shah reserved another strong observation for the PCB, writing: "The board is too bureaucratic. Everyone fears to speak their mind because they worry about backlash and their jobs."

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He added: "There are people that genuinely wanted to help , but when they see their efforts go no where they stop trying and just settle for their paycheck."

‘Pakistan cricket will always be in my heart’

Shah also questioned the structure surrounding Pakistan Super League franchises, arguing that owners have limited incentives to invest heavily in developing their teams. "10 year lease, you grow the brand, only to give it back to the PCB. So why would you grow if you see none of the benefit? Only the bills." He also questioned retention rules and category changes, saying owners "invest in players and talent hunts only to lose them due to retention rules and category changes that are agenda driven." Shah ended his post with a message of hope despite his criticism. "Pakistan cricket will always be in my heart. Pray for us to go back to being the best. Not just good or competitive, but the best."

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