Former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal has launched a strong attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board’s recent decisions, calling for the removal of selection committee member and Director High Performance Aaqib Javed amid a dramatic overhaul of the national Test setup.
Ajmal criticised the PCB for making sweeping changes during the ongoing England series, arguing that such decisions should have been taken after the tour rather than while the team was still competing.
He said Pakistan was becoming a subject of ridicule internationally because players were being sent home immediately after matches. According to the former spinner, the frequent changes involving players, coaches and selectors reflected a lack of seriousness in the management of the national team.
The former cricketer also addressed the controversy surrounding opener Imam-ul-Haq. He said that if an investigation establishes any wrongdoing by the batter, he should receive strict punishment so that it sets an example for other players.
Ajmal reserved particular criticism for the PCB’s treatment of coaches. He questioned why former head coach Sarfraz Ahmed was removed while Mike Hesson was being given responsibility for the Test side.
“Sarfraz has been removed from coaching, but why are you treating Mike Hesson differently?” Ajmal questioned, also asking what results Hesson had delivered with Pakistan’s white-ball teams.
His comments come after the PCB made major changes following Pakistan’s defeats in the first two Tests against England. Seven players were released before the third Test, while Sarfraz and bowling coach Umar Gul were removed from their respective positions.
The sweeping changes have triggered criticism from several former Pakistan players, with growing calls for greater stability and accountability within the country’s cricket administration.
As Pakistan prepares for the remainder of the England series, attention will now focus on whether the PCB responds to the mounting criticism and whether further changes are on the way.
