PCB Overhauls Squad and Coaching Staff Without Telling Babar Azam, Captain Learns Through the News Following consecutive heavy defeats in the Test series against England, the Pakistan Cricket Board made sweeping changes to the squad and coaching staff, leaving captain Babar Azam completely in the dark. Turbulence continues to grip Pakistan cricket as consecutive heavy defeats in the Test series against England have prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board to execute sweeping changes to the team setup, leaving even captain Babar Azam completely unaware of the decisions. This revelation comes straight from the Pakistani captain himself ahead of the third and final Test match between Pakistan and England, which is scheduled to begin tomorrow, September 9, at Edgbaston. Prior to the upcoming fixture, the captain disclosed that he had no prior information regarding the omission of seven players from the squad, the removal of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed from his duties, the sacking of assistant coach Umar Gul, and the induction of several new faces into the team. Babar explicitly stated that the board's decision came to him as a news report rather than an official consultation. This statement has fueled intense speculation in the cricketing world, raising questions about whether the PCB has reduced its captain to a mere puppet. It certainly raises eyebrows when any governing body replaces half its team midway through an active tour without keeping the skipper in the loop, exposing severe communication gaps within the country's cricketing hierarchy and painting a grim picture of dressing room dynamics. As preparations ramp up for the third Test, white-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke have also been assigned fresh responsibilities as part of a broader effort to restructure the squad with emerging talent. When questioned by the media about this flurry of developments ahead of the Edgbaston clash, Babar openly admitted that he was kept out of the loop regarding such massive team alterations. He remarked that it was news to him which he found out about later, noting that since the Pakistan Cricket Board made the call, they are best positioned to explain the rationale behind it. Avoiding a direct confrontation with the board, Babar suggested that the authorities must have taken this step after careful consideration. He urged his team to put past disappointments behind them and capitalize on the opportunities opened up for fresh talent. Babar noted that the board's decision stems from deliberate planning and that inquiries should be directed to them, emphasizing that this presents a unique opening for the squad as a collective unit. He acknowledged that while the series is already lost, the team enters the final match with nothing left to lose, making it essential to play freely without fear. Highlighting the debutants and younger squad members, Babar described the situation as a golden opportunity to showcase their potential on the big stage. He observed that new players always arrive with immense enthusiasm and energy, traits that invariably translate onto the field, and expressed confidence that this spirit will be visible in the upcoming match. He stressed that performing under pressure and grabbing given opportunities defines top-tier competition, reiterating that putting the past behind them to focus on the future remains the primary objective. Meanwhile, when asked about the internal investigations reportedly initiated by the PCB concerning discipline and conduct, Babar professed complete ignorance. He maintained that he has no awareness of such proceedings and remains entirely in the dark regarding any disciplinary inquiries. With Pakistan already trailing 0-2 in the three-match Test series, the third Test serves less as a rescue mission for the series outcome and more as an experimental ground to test fresh combinations and new faces under challenging conditions. What this means for you The ongoing internal turmoil and abrupt restructuring within the Pakistan cricket setup will have a direct bearing on team morale and competitive performance. • Across India: Sports analysts and cricket enthusiasts are closely watching how administrative decisions can sideline a national captain in elite sports. • In Pakistan: Local fans and supporters are expressing widespread disappointment over the board's unilateral decision-making and lack of transparency. • Player Dynamics: The sudden overhaul places immense pressure on incoming fresh faces who must perform immediately without adequate preparation time. • Series Outlook: With the series already out of reach, the final fixture serves as a high-stakes trial for new combinations and future squad planning. Why this happened The abrupt overhaul by the Pakistan Cricket Board was driven by consecutive defeats and mounting pressure to alter the team's trajectory. • Poor Results: Pakistan suffered back-to-back heavy defeats against England in the ongoing Test series, triggering panic within the management. • Communication Breakdown: A glaring lack of coordination between board officials and the team captain resulted in decisions being made behind closed doors. • Structural Reset: The leadership sought a complete overhaul of the squad composition and coaching staff to inject fresh energy into the side. • Disciplinary Concerns: Internal reviews regarding team conduct and discipline also contributed to the sudden administrative shake-up. Questions & Answers 1. When and where is the third Test between Pakistan and England starting? The third Test match is scheduled to begin tomorrow, September 9, at Edgbaston. 2. What changes was Babar Azam unaware of? Babar had no prior information about the removal of seven players, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, and assistant coach Umar Gul. 3. What is Pakistan's current standing in the Test series? Pakistan is already trailing 0-2 in the three-match Test series against England. 4. Who has been assigned white-ball coaching responsibilities? Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke have been assigned white-ball coaching roles ahead of the fixture. 5. Did Babar Azam have any knowledge of the internal disciplinary investigation? No, Babar explicitly stated that he had no knowledge whatsoever regarding any internal investigation concerning discipline and conduct. https://trendkia.com/en/cricket/pcb-overhauls-squad-and-coaching-staff-without-telling-babar-azam-captain-learns-through-the-news-29729 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.