Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq
Pakistan’s Struggles in Test Series Deepen
Pakistan faced significant defeats in the first two Tests of their series, losing the opener at Leeds by an innings and 103 runs, followed by a 194-run loss at Lord’s. These results have positioned Pakistan at the bottom of the World Test Championship points table, raising concerns about the team’s performance and management strategies.
The touring Pakistan media in England has also reported a high-level meeting involving senior Pakistan Cricket Board officials following the Lord’s defeat. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, COO Sumair Ahmed, PSL CEO Salman Naseer, former player and senior selector Aaqib Javed and limited-overs head coach Mike Hesson were reported to have attended the meeting.
A source within the PCB told Geo News that Naqvi had conveyed the disappointment of senior figures over Pakistan’s performance in England. “The incident of Imran Khan’s sons’ interview being aired during the second Test on Sky Sports has also upset the powers that be, but more than anything, it is the portrayal of the Pakistan team in the media and their performance that has caused concern,” the report further quoted the source as saying. We’re all working on it, and we need to be, too,” Abbas said after the defeat.
The meeting also reportedly discussed Hesson taking charge of the Test side. He is expected to remain with the squad for the remainder of the England tour, potentially raising questions over the future of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed. Pacer Mohammad Abbas, who claimed nine wickets at Lord’s and registered his first five-wicket haul at the venue, admitted that the problems within the side are a major concern. “Our performance is a concern for everyone. Everyone is worried, including the selection committee and the NCA. We’re not doing well, we accept that. We’re not batting, bowling or fielding well and we discuss this all the time in meetings.