A new serious crisis has emerged in Pakistani cricket amid a series of Test matches against England. Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq has resigned from the selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
According to reports, the reason for the dissatisfaction was the decision to drop seven players from the squad after the loss in the match at Lord's. Misbah-ul-Haq was outraged that he was not included in the discussion of this decision, despite his participation in the player selection process as a member of the selection committee.
According to The Express Tribune, Misbah submitted his resignation to the PCB, which was confirmed by a source familiar with the situation. He plans to complete his notice period before officially leaving the selection committee.
Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat against England in the second Test match at Lord's. Following this, the PCB made significant changes to the team composition. The board decided to release seven players from the main squad for the third and final match, which will take place in Edgbaston, replacing them with new players.
Misbah-ul-Haq was dissatisfied with the manner in which this decision was made. He was particularly concerned about his lack of involvement in discussions regarding sending seven players home, even though he was a member of the selection committee and participated in the team selection process. This became the main reason for his departure.
Not only did the players suffer from the changes. After the loss at Lord's, the PCB also made changes to the coaching staff of Pakistan. The head coach for red-ball cricket, Sarfaraz Ahmed, was removed from his post. Additionally, fast bowling coach Umar Gul was relieved of his duties.
Mike Hesson, the white-ball head coach, and Ashley Nofke, the bowling coach, will now oversee the Pakistan team in the match at Edgbaston against England. The third and final match is scheduled from September 9 to 13 in Edgbaston.
Misbah-ul-Haq joined the Pakistan selection committee in March 2026. The PCB entrusted him with this responsibility as part of changes to the selection panel that occurred after Ali Dar resigned following the T20 Cup. At the same time, former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was included in the selection committee.
His resignation came at a critical moment when Pakistan's position in the Test series against England had become extremely difficult.
Sarfaraz Ahmed took over as the head coach for red-ball cricket on April 18. Shortly after this, Pakistan visited Bangladesh for a two-match series, which they lost 0-2. Then, a two-match series against the West Indies ended in a 1-1 draw. Now, playing against England, Pakistan has already lost the first two matches. In the three-match series, the team trails its opponent 0-2.
Thus, the match in Edgbaston will be not just another confrontation for the team, but a last chance to avoid a complete defeat in the series.
The Pakistani Test team is currently in a difficult position both on and off the field. Following losses in the first two matches, questions have arisen regarding the team's strategy and the level of play of the players. Consequently, the PCB decided to send seven players home and change the coaching staff. The news of Misbah-ul-Haq's resignation sparked a new wave of discussions regarding the board's decisions.
Misbah is one of the most experienced cricketers in Pakistan. He led the Pakistan national team in all three formats and subsequently held the position of national team head coach.