Top News

The move, described as a wider "clean-up" exercise by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, comes in the wake of Pakistan's disastrous performance in the ongoing Test series against England. 

Javed, a former Test cricketer and currently also the Director Development at the Lahore High Performance Centre, is widely considered a close aide of Chairman Naqvi, often referred to as his "blue-eyed boy." However, sources suggest his extensive influence is now set to be clipped, with a directive likely asking him to focus solely on his development role.

England Series Sparked Crisis

The immediate catalyst for this dramatic overhaul is Pakistan's abject display in England, where they have already conceded an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series. The team suffered an innings and 103-run defeat in the opener at Headingley, followed by a 194-run drubbing at Lord's.

Responding to these humiliating losses, the PCB initiated an unprecedented shake-up last week:

• Player Expulsions: Seven senior players, including wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, opener Imam-ul-Haq, and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha (who captained at Headingley in Babar Azam's absence), were controversially sent home mid-series from England. Babar Azam returned for the second game at Lord's.
• Coaching Changes: Red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were sacked. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson was subsequently appointed as the interim red-ball head coach.
• Selector's Resignation: In a dramatic protest against not being consulted on these drastic changes, selection committee member and former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq resigned from his position.

Accountability and Disciplinary Issues

Amidst the chaos, the PCB also issued notices to members of the selection committee, including Aaqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Asad Shafiq, demanding explanations for the selection of players like Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan for the England tour.

Sources quoted by PTI indicated that the decision to send back Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq was not solely based on their form but also due to alleged "behaviour in the dressing room." Interim red-ball head coach Mike Hesson reportedly recommended sending other players home to try out individuals he had worked with in the white-ball camp.  

While Aaqib Javed recently accepted responsibility for squad selection as a committee member, he also defended the mid-series changes, hinting at issues with on-tour management not acting on recommendations, such as including fast bowler Ubaid Shah.

This latest development underscores Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's stated intent for a thorough "surgery" within Pakistan cricket, a promise he made upon his appointment after Pakistan's disappointing performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The ongoing turmoil reflects a deeply troubled period for Pakistan cricket, with the board seemingly determined to enforce radical changes to address persistent performance and administrative issues.