LONDON: Former Pakistan cricketers have strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for removing seven players from the national squad during the ongoing England Test series following heavy defeats in the first two matches.
The decision has drawn particular criticism because some of the players removed were not part of either Test’s playing XI. Former captain Shahid Afridi questioned the reasoning behind the changes, while Shoaib Malik said language suggesting players should be sent home on the “first flight” was disrespectful to national cricketers.
Shahid Afridi Questions Selection Decisions
Shahid Afridi, who led Pakistan to the 2011 World Cup semi-finals, said he could not understand the logic behind the PCB’s decision or the selection of their replacements.
Afridi questioned the inclusion of players primarily associated with T20 cricket for Test matches in England. He also questioned why the coach was removed after only five Test matches.
The former captain described the decision as particularly surprising given the experience of the members of the selection committee.
Shoaib Malik Calls for Different Approach
Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik said players dropped from the squad remained national cricketers who had represented and served Pakistan.
Malik criticized comments suggesting that the players should be sent back on the first available flight, calling such language disrespectful.
He argued that accountability should begin with those responsible for problems within the system rather than players who had been sitting on the bench or had played only a small number of Test matches.
Malik also said accountability should have been initiated after the completion of the tour rather than during the series.
He further expressed concern about the intense criticism players face on social media after every poor performance, warning that continued pressure could create a fear of failure among cricketers.