Former England skipper Nasser Hussain has publicly rebuked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for a series of actions he believes have deepened the difficulties facing the Pakistan Test side. Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Hussain described the board’s recent decisions as making Pakistan a “laughingstock” and warned that the handling of injured players was “ridiculous”.
PCB’s controversial response to two Test defeats
The criticism follows a turbulent two‑match Test series in England, where Pakistan lost both opening matches. The first defeat came at Headingley, and the second at Lord’s. In the wake of those losses, the PCB announced that seven Pakistan players and two members of the coaching staff would be recalled to their home country, ending their participation in the England leg of the tour.
Among those sent back were key batsmen Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and opening partner Imam‑ul‑Haq. The board also replaced the Test coach, Sarfaraz Ahmed, with former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson for the third and final Test, scheduled to begin in Birmingham on 9 September.
These moves sparked a wave of criticism from fans and cricket analysts worldwide, who questioned whether the rapid recall of players and the sudden coaching change were in the best interest of the team’s long‑term development.
Imam‑ul‑Haq injury and public criticism
One of the most contentious issues has been the handling of Imam‑ul‑Haq’s injury. The left‑handed opener suffered a calf strain on the opening day of the Lord’s Test, which forced him to miss the remainder of the match. He did not bat in either innings and was further scrutinised on the fourth day when footage showed him knocking on the pitch, prompting speculation about the severity of his condition.
PCB’s director of high performance, Aaqib Javed, addressed Imam’s situation on live television, questioning the player’s commitment to the side. Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad later described Imam’s on‑field actions as “all for show”, adding to the public debate about whether the player was being unfairly targeted.
Hussain expressed disbelief that a senior board official would publicly undermine a player, stating, “I cannot believe how a director of high performance can go on telly, rightly or wrongly, and throw a player under the bus. He is either injured or he is not.” He argued that, in other touring teams, an injured player would be given a medical scan and allowed to bat only if fit, emphasizing the need for greater player protection.
Hussain’s outspoken remarks on the PCB’s conduct
During his podcast appearance, Hussain reflected on the broader implications of the PCB’s actions. He noted that the board’s handling of the series had shifted international perception of Pakistan cricket, stating, “What they have done now is make them a laughingstock. They have made it worse.” He clarified that his earlier criticism after the Headingley loss was not aimed at mocking Pakistan, but stemmed from frustration over the nation’s declining performance.
Hussain also singled out PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, suggesting that the board’s leadership had contributed to the current “situation”. While he did not name specific policies, his comments implied that the rapid dismissal of players and staff, combined with public disparagement of injured athletes, were counter‑productive.
He called for a more respectful approach toward players, urging the PCB to prioritize their welfare. “For every other touring side, if we ask how a player is doing, they would say, ‘he has had a scan and will only bat if needed’,” he said. “The whole handling of the Imam situation is ridiculous. You have to protect your players a little bit.”
The former England captain’s remarks have added to a growing chorus of voices calling for the PCB to reconsider its crisis management strategy. As the third Test in Birmingham approaches, the focus will shift to whether the board’s recent changes, including the appointment of Mike Hesson, can stabilize the side and restore confidence among players and supporters alike.
Be First to Comment