'There is no stability!' – Mickey Arthur slams PCB over coaching change culture amid horrible performance in England Series

Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has criticised the PCB’s decision to make major changes to the Test squad and coaching staff ahead of the third Test against England. Reacting to the changes, Arthur said, “There is no stability!”

The PCB released seven players, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha, after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat to England at Lord’s. The loss gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Pakistan have also released head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke have replaced them, with the new coaching staff set to take charge for the third Test at Edgbaston from September 9.

"Absolutely ridiculous decisions" — Arthur's full X post slamming PCB's constant reshuffling

Reacting to the PCB’s latest changes on X, Mickey Arthur called the decisions “Absolutely ridiculous” and criticised the board for constantly changing players, coaches and selectors. He said, “This is the reason they are in the mess they are in because they constantly chop and change players, coaches and selectors, and there is no stability!”

Arthur, who has previously coached Pakistan to the No. 1 spot in the Test rankings, stressed the importance of continuity and long-term planning. He added, “Planning, stability and structure = Consistent performance!!” The former coach believes Pakistan need more stability to build a consistent team.

See also -Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha dropped as Pakistan announce squad for third Test vs England at Edgbaston

Pakistan have struggled in the ongoing Test series against England, losing the first two matches. England won the first Test by an innings and 103 runs before beating Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord’s. The third and final Test will begin on September 9 in Birmingham.

PCB sends home 7 players, brings in Mike Hesson ahead of Edgbaston — What triggered the overhaul

Pakistan have released seven players from their Test squad ahead of the third Test against England in Birmingham. Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad have been sent home. The PCB has brought in five uncapped players and two players with Test experience.

Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal are among the replacements, having played eight and two Tests respectively. Arafat Minhas has also been included, while the uncapped players are Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Muhammad Imran and Razaullah. Saad Baig was named Player of the Tournament in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

See also -PCB releases Salman Ali Agha from Pakistan squad ahead of ENG vs PAK 3rd Test at Edgbaston: Reports

The PCB has also made major changes to the coaching staff. Sarfaraz Ahmed has stepped down, while bowling coach Umar Gul has been released. Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will take charge ahead of the final Test, as Pakistan look to end the series on a positive note after a disappointing 2-0 defeat.

Kevin Pietersen and Shahid Afridi also question Pakistan’s major mid-series changes

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has criticised Pakistan’s decision to make major changes in the middle of the Test series. Reacting on X, Pietersen wrote, “What on this planet am I reading about Pakistan making all these changes and sending players home etc. It can't be real?! Surely?”

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi also questioned the PCB’s decision, especially the inclusion of players with limited Test experience. He wrote, “Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision! Even the replacements make no sense - T20 players have been included for a Test match in England?” Afridi also called the decision to remove the coach after only five Tests “the most shocking decision.”

Pakistan have added five uncapped players along with Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal for the third Test at Edgbaston. The changes come after Pakistan’s 194-run defeat at Lord’s, their 15th loss in their last 20 Tests. Pakistan will aim to avoid a 3-0 series clean sweep when the final Test begins on September 9.