PCB's mid-series purge raises doubts over Babar Azam's captaincy authority
The Pakistan Cricket Board dismissed seven players and two coaches during the England Test series, prompting former England captain Michael Atherton to question Babar Azam's ability to lead.
Pakistan’s first-two-Test defeats in England triggered a sweeping reshuffle by the Pakistan Cricket Board, which expelled seven squad members—including Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq—and dismissed coaches Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul. Former England skipper Michael Atherton, speaking on one outlet Cricket Podcast, said the move places Babar Azam in a "horrible" position and casts doubt on the authority any Pakistan captain can wield.
He warned that the board's interference may damage the team's long-term cohesion. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif had already suggested Babar should resign, labeling him a "dummy captain." Mike Hesson will now lead the side for the third Test at Edgbaston, while Babar returns to captain a heavily altered group.
Why it matters
The PCB's drastic changes could weaken Pakistan's leadership and affect their performance in the concluding Test.
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