Ramiz Raja Slams Pakistan Cricket Board Over Mid-Series Mass Sackings

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for making sweeping changes to the team and coaching staff in the middle of the Test series against England.

Raja described the decision as unprecedented and accused Pakistan cricket of pressing the “panic button” after England won the first two Tests. He questioned why such major changes were made before the series had even concluded.

Pakistan suffered an innings-and-103-run defeat at Headingley before England secured a 194-run victory at Lord's. The second win gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.

Following the defeats, the PCB made significant changes to the squad. Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were released from the squad.

The board also removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. Seven replacements were brought into the squad ahead of the third Test, with five of the incoming players yet to make their Test debuts.

Raja said he was shocked by the scale and timing of the decisions, comparing the situation to a football manager being dismissed in the middle of a season. However, he argued that cricket's series format should have allowed the board to wait until the England series was completed before making major changes.

According to Raja, the decision has created unnecessary uncertainty within the Pakistan team. He warned that removing several players and coaches at once could affect the confidence of both those leaving the squad and those being brought into the side.

He also questioned whether such drastic action would necessarily produce better results. In his view, constant changes could encourage players to become more focused on protecting their individual positions rather than building a strong team environment.

Raja described the move as “mass culling” and argued that the problems facing Pakistan cricket extend beyond the current Test series.

The former PCB chairman pointed to repeated changes in leadership, coaching and administration as factors contributing to instability within the team. He suggested that the lack of continuity has made it difficult for Pakistan cricket to establish a consistent identity and long-term direction.

Raja also expressed concern over the removal of Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul, both former Pakistan internationals with significant playing careers. He questioned what such decisions could mean for the confidence and future involvement of former players who may consider coaching or administrative roles in Pakistan cricket.

He warned that the instability could continue for some time unless the PCB changes its approach. In his assessment, the next year could remain turbulent after the uncertainty that has surrounded Pakistan cricket over the previous two years.

The third and final Test against England is scheduled to begin on September 9 in Birmingham. With England already holding an unassailable 2-0 lead, Pakistan will enter the final match under considerable pressure following the major changes to its squad and coaching setup.