Former Indian cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner Madan Lal has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after it sent seven players home midway through the ongoing Test series in England. Lal defended the players and said the board must take responsibility for the problems within Pakistan cricket.
The Babar Azam-led team suffered a 194-run defeat in the second Test at Lord’s in London as England took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The Men in Green failed to cross the 200-run mark in any of their four innings. They had also suffered an innings and 103-run defeat in the first Test.
Madan Lal Blasts PCB Over Mid-Tour Player Purge
The PCB made sweeping changes to the squad. Seven players, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha, were released before the third Test. Reacting to the decision on X, Madan Lal said the players should not be blamed for the team’s struggles.
“Pakistan sending players back is ridiculous. It’s not players to blame. PCB is culprit. They should organise the first class cricket first. I don’t believe Pakistan does not have a talent.”
Pakistan sending players back is ridiculous. It’s not players to blame. PCB is culprit. They should organise the first class cricket first. I don’t believe Pakistan does not have a talent
— Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) September 1, 2026
They have lost 15 of its last 20 Tests and are at the bottom spot in the WTC 2025-27 standings. With the series already decided, Pakistan will look to salvage some pride in the final Test, set to commence at Edgbaston on September 9.
Pakistan Call Up Five Uncapped Players for Edgbaston Test
Pakistan have added five uncapped players to their squad for the third Test against England, along with Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal. Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah have been added to the side.
Arafat Minhas is the only one of the five uncapped players with international experience. The left-arm spinner has played three ODIs and four T20Is for Pakistan. Saad Baig also earned his call-up after a strong domestic season.
Minhas made his international debut against Australia in an ODI in May and won the Player of the Match award. Baig was the leading run-scorer in the previous Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and was named Player of the Tournament. Mohammad Imran Randhawa has the most first-class experience with 58 games.
Harsha Bhogle Questions Pakistan’s Mid-Series Changes
The PCB’s overhaul also affected the coaching staff, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul leaving their roles. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and former Australia seamer Ashley Noffke have taken charge for the final Test at Edgbaston.
Harsha Bhogle also questioned the timing and logistics of Pakistan’s sweeping changes. He pointed out that Salman Ali Agha went from captaining the first Test to being dropped and sent home before the third.
“Trust Pakistan cricket to do the unbelievable. Salman Agha, captain in the first test, dropped from the second, sent home before the third! Coach and bowling coach gone midway through a series. Senior keeper sent home. Replacements hoping to get visas in time, let alone be ready for a test match. As always, more action off the field.”
Trust cricket to do the unbelievable. Salman Agha, captain in the first test, dropped from the second, sent home before the third! Coach and bowling coach gone midway through a series. Senior keeper sent home. Replacements hoping to get visas in time, let alone be ready…
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 31, 2026
