Aaqib Javed questions Imam-ul-Haq’s Lord’s absence

KARACHI: National selector Aaqib Javed defended the controversial mid-series shake-up by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), stating that the team's inability to compete in the first two Tests against England forced the selection of a different combination and mindset for the final match. The PCB's decision to replace red-ball head coach Sarfraz Ahmed with white-ball coach Mike Hesson, seven players being sent home, and Ashley Noffke replacing bowling coach Umar Gul, has drawn criticism from former players and coaches.

Aaqib acknowledged the responsibility of the selectors but argued that the management had failed to make the necessary decisions during the tour. He believed that the team's performance had declined due to a lack of bowling options and the inclusion of an all-rounder could have changed the balance of the attack. Aaqib also defended the decision to change the wicket-keeping arrangement, pointing to Ghazi Ghori as a possible alternative to Mohammad Rizwan.

The 17-member squad was criticized for its poor performances, and Aaqib stated that a change in approach was necessary to show the world that Pakistan still had talent. He defended the decision to appoint Babar Azam as captain, despite his previous removal from the leadership position, due to the lack of other capable players. The PCB also stated that they would initiate an inquiry into Imam-ul-Haq's failure to bat in the Lord's Test after suffering a low-grade calf injury.