Former England captain Nasser Hussain has questioned the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to drop Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, addressing the mismanagement of the national men’s team ahead of the second Test. Hussain lamented Pakistan’s lack of “planning and forward-thinking,” stressing that the real issue lies behind the scenes rather than with star players like Babar, Naseem, or Shaheen Afridi.
Hussain’s remarks come amidst Pakistan’s dismal performance in the ongoing series against England, where the team suffered a humiliating defeat by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test. The PCB’s subsequent decision to drop Babar Azam from the remainder of the series has sparked widespread confusion and criticism. The former English captain highlighted Pakistan cricket’s chaotic management structure, pointing out the frequent changes in leadership roles as a major hindrance to the team’s success. “
“A little bit of forward planning and forward thinking. I think that’s what’s lacking in Pakistan Cricket. Even like with the venues. Coming here we didn’t know where England were gonna play. Still, here we sit here. Now we don’t really know where. The third Test, we don’t know which pitch they’re gonna play on tomorrow for the second Test. And that comes from behind the scenes and the changes that happen. I think you said in the paper today. It was 26 different selectors. I read 27. The other different paper. 27. You can’t keep counting him out. So how many? How many have England had? Two or three basically 27-26 different selectors. Chairman of selectors. You know everything coaches, captain,” Nasser Hussain said while speaking to Michael Atherton on Sky Sports.
Hussain was particularly vocal about Babar Azam’s treatment, expressing disappointment at how the star batter was dropped after just one match. “I think he just deserved a little bit better,” Hussain said, defending Babar, who has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting lineup. He dismissed the notion that Babar, Naseem Shah, or Shaheen Afridi were to blame for the team’s recent failures, pointing instead to structural issues within the PCB.
The frequent changes in the coaching staff and management positions, Hussain argued, have created a volatile environment, making it difficult for players to settle and perform. “The issue is not Babar, Shaheen, or Naseem. The issue is behind the scenes in the way Pakistan cricket runs their cricket.”
The PCB has faced significant criticism for its management decisions in recent years, and Hussain’s comments echo sentiments shared by many former players and cricket experts. Following Pakistan’s crushing defeat in the first Test, the PCB replaced several mainstays with uncapped and inexperienced players, a move seen by some as desperate and reactionary.
