Former Spinner Criticises PCB Leadership
Former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal has voiced strong criticism against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), asserting that the national team’s cricket structure has regressed significantly. Ajmal, who claimed 362 wickets in international cricket for Pakistan, believes the board is largely responsible for the team’s recent struggles.
Ajmal’s comments follow Pakistan‘s substantial defeat against England in the Lord’s Test. This loss prompted the PCB to implement a series of changes, including the dismissal of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. Additionally, seven players were sent back home, among them Imam-ul-Haq, who faced accusations of feigning a calf injury after not batting in either innings.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had attempted to defend the players and urged critics to refrain from demotivating the team. However, Ajmal questioned the sincerity of this message, accusing the board itself of undermining Pakistan‘s cricketers. He stated that the board has demotivated players more than anyone else, not allowing them to establish themselves, and has dropped and humiliated players who performed well.
Focus on Aaqib Javed and Mike Hesson
Ajmal also directed his criticism towards Director High Performance and selector Aaqib Javed, and white-ball head coach Mike Hesson. With Hesson also asked to assume charge of the Test side for the third match against England, Ajmal claimed that the pair wield significant control over Pakistan cricket.
He held them accountable for the team’s current situation, stating that Aaqib Javed and Mike Hesson are a team controlling everything and are responsible for the current issues, which he attributes to egos. Ajmal further criticised the PCB‘s long-term planning, suggesting that the team has gone back 10 years due to a lack of future planning.
Mohsin Naqvi had previously explained the rationale behind the PCB‘s extensive changes following the Lord’s defeat. Speaking to Geo Network, the PCB chairman maintained that the decisions were not driven by personal issues and that the board had limited options when players were not performing.
Naqvi clarified that the purpose of these changes was not to permanently remove players but to find replacements when performance was lacking. He cited Salman Agha as an example of a good player who could not perform for various reasons and was addressed about it. These comments aimed to convey that the changes were not personal vendettas or permanent exclusions.
Team Faces Whitewash Prospect
Despite Naqvi’s explanations, Ajmal maintains a different perspective, arguing that the PCB‘s repeated decisions to remove players and coaches have contributed to instability within the Pakistan team. Pakistan has already lost the Test series against England and is now facing the possibility of a clean sweep.
The third and final Test is scheduled to commence on Wednesday at Edgbaston, with Hesson set to lead the Test side. The pressure on the board, coaching staff, and players has intensified as Pakistan stands one defeat away from an England series whitewash.
Ajmal’s frustration stems from his own experience, as he has consistently stated that the board failed to support him during a challenging period of his career, which saw his international career cut short due to issues with his bowling action.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Priya Patel writes on politics and current affairs for Latest News, reporting on Parliament, policy and the decisions that affect readers across India.
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