Pakistan have been under the pump since landing in England for a three-match Test series. The focus has been more on the drama being played outside the field, with PCB taking action against players. Seven cricketers have been sent back, with the officials ordering a disciplinary inquiry against Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq.
The visitors will compete in the third and final Test at Edgbaston, starting September 9.
England won the series opener at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before thumping Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord’s to take an unassailable 2-0 lead. The two defeats led to the sacking of Test head coach and bowling coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul.
Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke were told to look after the red-ball team for the final game in England and the remaining five-day matches in the ongoing WTC 2025-27 campaign.
Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam is also facing the heat, considering the poor performances of the players. He missed the first Test due to a hand injury, but his return to the starting XI at Lord’s didn’t change the results. The right-handed batter scored 8 and 6, failing miserably against the England fast bowlers.
He spoke to the media ahead of the Edgbaston Test and was asked about the off-field controversies. His response confirmed that he had no role in the decisions taken by the PCB.
Asked whether he was aware of the changes after the second match and whether he was consulted before announcing the decision. “I was not consulted, as it was news to me as well. I found out about the new developments later. PCB took the decision, and they can explain it to you better,” he said.
The Pakistan skipper was also quizzed about the difficult situation and how tough it was to deal with it when seven players and coaches were sent home. “It was not difficult but surprising,” he replied.
When he was pressed again on his involvement in any of the decisions, his answer was no.
“I was Man of the Series”: Babar Azam on his performance
Babar’s own performances have fallen short, but he is not ready to accept it. “If you talk about my performance, I was the Man of the Series against West Indies as captain,” he said.
In two Tests against the Windies, he scored 193 runs in four innings at an average of 96.50. The series finished 1-1, with Pakistan winning the second game.
More to follow