The Pakistan cricket team continues to face difficulties in the series of matches against England. After two consecutive defeats in Headingley and Lord's, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made significant changes to the squad. Seven players were dropped from England, there were changes in the coaching staff, and selection committee member Akib Javed raised questions regarding Imam-ul-Haq's injury.
Akib Javed clearly stated that the incident with Imam's injury would be investigated. He questioned why Imam could not take the field in both innings of the Test, if he claimed to have muscle problems after a strain. Imam-ul-Haq sustained an ankle injury during fielding in the match at Lord's. Following this, he did not take the field for the remainder of the match and did not participate in either of Pakistan's innings, which led to Pakistan's defeat at Lord's by 194 runs. Since then, questions have arisen in Pakistani cricket regarding Imam's injury.
Interestingly, on the fourth day of the Test, on Sunday, Imam appeared on the field. He was engaged in shadow batting, but his gait clearly showed that he was not fully fit. A heavy bandage was applied to his left calf. These visuals prompted questions from Akib Javed. Akib noted that a player's muscle strain is not uncommon, but he is concerned about the fact that Imam did not take the field in both innings.
He also mentioned instances where players continue to try to contribute to the game by taking the field despite serious injuries or having casts. Akib assured that this matter would be reviewed, and appropriate measures would be taken if necessary. Akib serves as the Director of High Performance and a member of the PCB National Selection Committee.
In addition to Imam, the PCB dropped only seven players from the tour in England. Due to these changes, the roles of bowling coach Umar Gul and head coach Sarfar Ahmed were abolished. For the last Test against England, the responsibility will now be taken by head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke. Akib Javed supported the decision to return the seven players, deeming it necessary to change the team after two Test losses.
Pakistan included five inexperienced players in the squad for the third Test, which will be held in Birmingham. Furthermore, Sam Ayub and Abdullah Fazal returned to the team. Although their names are not new, their experience in Test cricket is extremely limited: Sam Ayub and Abdullah Fazal together have only played 10 Test matches.
Disputes within the Pakistani team concern not only injuries and player returns. Reports have emerged of disagreements between the team management and Akib Javed regarding the squad for the Lord's match. According to reports, Akib wanted a fast all-rounder to be included in the Lord's match alongside fast bowler Ubaid Shah and wicketkeeper-batsman Gazi Gori. He felt that Ubaid Shah should have been given a spot. Akib also commented on his bowling speed, noting that he is capable of bowling at around 140 km/h.
Moreover, Akib wanted to include Gazi Gori in the team, suggesting replacing him with Mohammad Rizwan. However, the team management did not follow Akib's advice. Instead, Salman Ali Agha, who captained the first Test in the absence of Babar Azam, was excluded from the squad. Akib Javed reported that after the first Test, he spoke with captain Babar Azam and the head coach, proposing the inclusion of Ubaid Shah. In Akib's view, the team should make necessary decisions instead of constantly waiting. He also insisted on including Gazi, but the team management made a different decision. This is why reports of disagreements within the Pakistani cricket team regarding decision-making have surfaced.
The third and final Test against England will begin on September 9th in Birmingham. However, the Pakistani team has undergone a complete transformation by this match. After two defeats, seven players were sent back, there were changes in the coaching staff, and five inexperienced players were included in the team. Now Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke face the task of managing the new team. On the other hand, the issue of Imam-ul-Haq's injury has become a major topic of discussion in Pakistani cricket. Following Akib Javed's announcement of an investigation, it will be important to see what steps the PCB takes in this matter. For now, the difficulties for the Pakistani cricket team are not limited to on-field play.