‘Pakistan cricket has gone back 10 years’: Saeed Ajmal launches scathing PCB attack

Renowned Pakistani spinner Saeed Ajmal has delivered a harsh critique of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), alleging that the governing body bears significant responsibility for the national team's recent setbacks. The former cricketer, who amassed 362 wickets in international matches before his career was prematurely halted due to a bowling action issue, has consistently vocalized his dissatisfaction with the PCB.

His most recent condemnation follows Pakistan's defeat to England in the Lord's Test. In the wake of the loss, the PCB enacted a series of drastic measures, dismissing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, and returning seven players to their home country. Among those shipped back was Imam-ul-Haq, who failed to score in either innings and was later alleged of fabricating a calf injury.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi attempted to defend the players, urging critics to refrain from demoralizing the team. However, Ajmal disputed that assertion, accusing the board of demoralizing the players more than anyone else. The PCB has also reportedly sidelined numerous successful players, and has humiliated several others. Ajmal specifically targeted Director High Performance and selector Aaqib Javed, as well as white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, asserting that they wield significant influence over Pakistan cricket and are the architects of the current predicament.

Ajmal further lambasted the PCB's long-term strategy, asserting that the national team's progress has regressed by ten years. He emphasized that the country's cricket system lacks future planning. Pakistan has already lost the Test series against England and now faces the possibility of a complete series defeat. The third and concluding Test is scheduled to commence at Edgbaston on Wednesday, with Hesson set to helm the Test side.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi defended the PCB's decision to implement sweeping changes following the Lord's loss, stating that the changes were not driven by personal animosities and that the board had no choice but to replace underperforming players. Naqvi pointed to Salman Agha as an example of a player who was given a chance despite his underperformance.

However, Ajmal rejects the PCB's justification, arguing that the frequent removal of players and coaches has fostered instability within the team. With Pakistan now a defeat away from an England whitewash, the pressure on the PCB, coaching staff, and players has escalated.