Major changes in Pakistan team after debacle in England, performance and behavior behind exclusion

Pakistan cricket is undergoing a major transformation after the defeat in the first two Tests against England. The decision to send back seven cricketers and two coaches was taken into consideration not only on-field performance but also the players' behavior, Indian news agency PTI reported.

Veteran Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan were among the seven cricketers who were dropped from the squad after the Lord's Test. None of the three could perform as expected in the current series. Rizwan's batting came in just 61 runs in four innings. His shot selection in the Lord's Test was also criticized.

Imam could not bat at Lord's due to injury. However, questions have also been raised within the PCB about his injury. On the other hand, Salman has failed in all the last five Test innings. However, he was the one who led Pakistan in the absence of Babar Azam in the Headingley Test. After not getting a place in the playing eleven in the Lord's Test, he was also dropped from the squad in the end.

According to the PTI report, in the case of Rizwan and Imam, not only their performance but also their behavior in the dressing room played an important role in the decision. They may even have to appear before the disciplinary committee and explain their behavior. It is said that Salman may also be called before the same committee. The report mentioned that there were problems with their behavior during the West Indies and England tours.

However, the decision to return the rest of the cricketers to the country has been taken for a different reason. They have been removed on the recommendation of interim Test coach Mike Hesson, PTI reported. He wants to give a chance to some cricketers who worked with Hesson in the white-ball team in the Test team this time.

Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jr., Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, Rajullah, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal have joined the Pakistan team for the third Test.

Meanwhile, this massive reshuffle in the team may also have an impact on the selection committee. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is reportedly planning major reforms. As part of that reform, the head of the selection committee, Aqib Javed, may be removed.

In the meantime, there has been another change in the selection committee. Misbah-ul-Haq submitted his resignation earlier this week. Although it is not yet certain whether the PCB has officially accepted his resignation.

Before Misbah's resignation, the PCB had served a show cause notice to the selection committee. The board sought an explanation as to why Imam and Rizwan were kept in the Test squad for the West Indies and England tours. At the same time, it has also been asked to know what kind of criteria were followed in selecting the team.

In addition to the selection committee, the PCB has also served notices to the members of the selection and advisory committees. If everything goes well, a new selection committee may be announced after the end of the England tour.

On the other hand, Mike Hesson may remain in charge of the Pakistan Test team even after the end of the England series. The PCB is interested in making him the permanent head coach. However, the final decision will depend on whether the New Zealand coach agrees to take over Pakistan permanently.