PCB Accused of 'Remote Control' Cricket

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) accused of 'remote control' management amid mid-series player and coach changes. Critics fear instability for the national team.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faces severe accusations of operating the senior men's national team with excessive control, allegedly from a "remote control." PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is specifically criticized for failing to empower coaches and captains. This controversy intensified after the PCB made an unprecedented decision to replace seven players and two coaches during the ongoing Test series against England.

Following consecutive losses to England, the team, led by Babar Azam, was already under pressure. The PCB's decision to send key players like Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha home, and replace Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed with white-ball coach Mike Hesson for the final Test, has sparked widespread debate.

Former captain Rashid Latif questioned the PCB's decisions, asking why coaches were sent to the UK if the board intended to exert full control. He highlighted instances of coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten resigning due to a lack of freedom. Latif also suggested that captain Babar Azam might be the next to face repercussions if he is not complying with the board's directives.

Several prominent cricket figures, including Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, and Ramiz Raja, have also criticized the mid-series squad changes, predicting increased instability. PCB chief Naqvi defended the actions as being for the team's betterment, amidst Pakistan's struggles at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings.

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