Azhar Ali Blames PCB Instability for Pakistan Cricket Crisis

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has delivered a sharp assessment of the turmoil surrounding the national cricket team, arguing that repeated changes, uncertainty and the absence of a clear long-term direction are damaging Pakistan's ability to compete consistently at international level. His comments come as the Pakistan Cricket Board faces scrutiny following major changes during the ongoing Test series in England.

The upheaval followed heavy defeats in the opening two Tests, which left England with an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The PCB subsequently removed red-ball head coach Sarfraz Ahmed, who had taken charge only months earlier, and handed responsibility for the Test side to white-ball coach Mike Hesson. Bowling coach Umar Gul was also replaced by Australian coach Ashley Noffke, while seven players were released from the squad and replacements were called up.

Azhar said Pakistan cricket's difficulties could not be solved simply by changing individual players or coaches. He argued that administrators first needed to establish a clear understanding of the structural problems affecting the national setup and then create a stable roadmap for improvement. In his assessment, frequent changes in selectors, coaches and decision-making structures have created an environment where both officials and players are concerned about their positions rather than focusing fully on long-term development and performance.

The former Test captain also warned that uncertainty at the administrative level was filtering down to the dressing room. Players, he said, need enough confidence in the system to perform without constantly worrying that one poor spell could lead to their removal. While accepting that difficult selection and management decisions are sometimes necessary, Azhar maintained that such moves should be made within a clearly defined and consistent structure rather than through repeated changes of direction.

The latest shake-up has already produced further consequences inside the PCB. Selection committee member and former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq resigned after reportedly not being consulted over some of the changes. The developments have fuelled a wider debate among former players and supporters about accountability, selection policy and the direction of Pakistan cricket after a run of disappointing Test results.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has defended the board's decisions, saying the changes during the England tour were made after consideration and were necessary in the circumstances. He acknowledged that Pakistan's recent Test performances had been poor but pushed back against some of the criticism directed at his administration. Naqvi has also maintained confidence in the players while indicating that the board is examining matters beyond on-field performance, without publicly detailing those issues at this stage.

Azhar called for leading former and current cricketers to be involved in an honest evaluation of the national game before a multi-year plan is established. He argued that Pakistan still possesses playing talent, but the system responsible for developing and supporting that talent requires greater consistency. He specifically pointed to the decline in performances of established players as a reason to examine the environment and structures around the team rather than treating technical shortcomings as the only explanation.

The controversy is likely to remain a major talking point as Pakistan prepares for the final Test of the England series under a reshaped coaching and playing setup. The immediate results of the changes will be closely watched, but the larger question facing the PCB is whether the latest overhaul becomes another short-term response to poor results or the beginning of a more stable strategy. For Pakistan cricket supporters, the debate now extends beyond one series to the governance, planning and continuity needed to restore the national team's competitiveness.