Usama Mir criticizes PCB following team changes after England Test series defeat

Pakistan leg-spinner Usama Mir has launched a veiled attack at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the team management after the board made sweeping changes following the team's defeats in the first two Tests against England. Pakistan have already lost the three-match series after defeats at Headingley and Lord's. In response, the PCB recalled seven players and replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul ahead of the third and final Test in Birmingham, starting on September 9. The changes did not go down well with Mir, who posted a strong message on X without naming anyone. "Amazing how someone managed to destroy the entire system, and nobody even noticed." The leg-spinner further said, "Ab pachhtaye kya, jab chidiya chug gayin khet (It is no use crying over spilt milk)." Although Mir did not mention any individual, his posts were seen as an indirect criticism of PCB officials and the team management.

The PCB has sent head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul back home. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke will now take charge of the team for the final Test. Seven players have also been recalled from the tour. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, injured opener Imam-ul-Haq, first Test captain Salman Ali Agha, spinner Ali Usman and pacer Khurram Shahzad — many of whom played in the second Test at Lord's — have been sent home.

All-rounder Aamir Jamal and batter Awais Zafar have also returned without playing a match in England.

Sarfaraz Ahmed's three-month spell as head coach ended after Pakistan lost five of their six away Tests during his tenure — two in Bangladesh, one in the West Indies and two in England. Babar Azam's second spell as Test captain has also failed to improve Pakistan's results after Shan Masood was removed from the role in May. Pakistan drew the series in the West Indies 1-1 under Babar but have now lost both Tests in England. Pakistan have lost 10 of their last 11 away Tests.