Mohsin Naqvi defends Pakistan squad overhaul, hits back at critics

Pakistan's Test squad underwent significant changes on September 2, 2026, following back-to-back defeats during the ongoing tour of England. The visitors had lost the opening Test by innings and 103 runs, then suffered a 194-run defeat in the second Test at Lord's, leaving them 2-0 down in the three-match series. Seven players were released from the squad, while seven replacements were brought in ahead of the third Test scheduled for Birmingham on September 9.

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi addressed the criticism surrounding the mid-series overhaul in a statement on September 2. He acknowledged that decisions taken in England were necessary and indicated he was examining matters beyond performance, though he stated it was not the right time to discuss those issues beyond cricket.

"I have never been afraid of criticism, and I never will be. Those who say cricket has been destroyed since I came — look at what the rankings were before," said Naqvi as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Naqvi acknowledged that Pakistan was sitting at the bottom of the World Test Championship points table after two wins in eight matches. However, he maintained that the team's white-ball form had shown improvement during his tenure as PCB chief.

The released players included wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, opener Imam-ul-Haq, middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha, batter Ali Usman, all-rounder Aamir Jamal, and fast bowlers Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad. Ali Usman had taken five wickets in the Leeds Test, while Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad had not featured in any matches during the tour.

The replacements included batter Saim Ayub and opener Abdullah Fazal, who had played eight and two Tests for Pakistan respectively. Five uncapped players were among the replacements: Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah. The changes extended to the coaching staff, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul released from their positions. Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke, who were part of the white-ball coaching panel, were now overseeing the Test side.

The squad overhaul drew severe criticism from cricket pundits and former Pakistan cricketers, including Shahid Afridi and Ramiz Raja. Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq tendered his resignation from the national selection committee following the changes, though the PCB had not yet accepted it as of September 2. The third Test in Birmingham was set to get underway on September 9, 2026.