Karachi, Sept 2:
Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to send seven players home from England ahead of the third Test, calling the move “ridiculous” and warning that constant changes could damage team morale.
The PCB’s decision came after Pakistan’s poor performance in the ongoing Test series in England. The board also sacked head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul following the team’s struggles.
Arthur, who has previously coached Pakistan, questioned the wisdom of making sweeping changes in the middle of a Test series. He argued that removing a large group of players at such a crucial stage could have a negative impact on the confidence and unity of the squad.
The seven players were sent back to Pakistan after being left out of the plans for the final Test. The decision followed Pakistan’s struggles in the series and the PCB’s attempt to make immediate changes to the team setup.
Arthur has also criticised what he sees as a pattern of frequent tinkering within Pakistan cricket. According to reports, he said the board needed to consider the morale of players before taking such decisions.
The former coach’s comments have added to the criticism surrounding the PCB at a time when Pakistan cricket is already facing questions over team selection, coaching stability and leadership.
The changes have also raised concerns about whether Pakistan can build a settled Test side when players and support staff are repeatedly moved in and out of the setup.
Pakistan’s poor run in England has therefore triggered a wider debate about the board’s approach to team management, with former players questioning whether drastic mid-series changes can help a struggling side regain its confidence.
With the third Test approaching, attention will now be on how the reshaped Pakistan side responds and whether the PCB’s changes produce the desired result.