The Saeed Ajmal Aqib Javed PCB criticism row has added fresh controversy to Pakistan cricket, after former spinner Saeed Ajmal strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board’s handling of the national team during its ongoing Test series against England. Ajmal specifically called for the removal of Director of High Performance and selection committee member Aqib Javed, arguing that recent squad decisions have damaged the team’s credibility.
What Sparked the Saeed Ajmal Aqib Javed PCB Criticism
Ajmal expressed frustration over the large-scale changes made to the team during the series, arguing that such decisions should have been taken after the conclusion of the tour rather than mid-series. He said Pakistan had become a subject of ridicule because players were being sent home immediately after matches, describing the approach as unprofessional and difficult to understand from a cricketing management perspective.
According to Ajmal, making major changes to the squad, coaching staff and selection setup while a series is still underway reflects poorly on Pakistan cricket as an institution, potentially undermining player confidence and team cohesion at a critical stage of the tour.
Comments on the Imam-ul-Haq Controversy
Ajmal also commented on the separate controversy surrounding opener Imam-ul-Haq, saying that if any wrongdoing is proven, the player should face strict punishment to set an example for other members of the squad. This measured stance suggests Ajmal is calling for due process rather than making a definitive judgment on the matter himself.
Questioning the Coaching Staff Decisions
Ajmal also questioned the PCB’s decision to remove Sarfaraz Ahmed from the coaching setup while continuing to back Mike Hesson despite Pakistan’s performances in white-ball cricket. He pointed out the apparent inconsistency in the board’s approach to evaluating coaching performance, asking what results Hesson had actually delivered in the white-ball format to justify continued backing while other coaches faced removal.
In a video message that circulated widely, Ajmal directly demanded the removal of Aqib Javed from his position, questioning why the PCB had changed the playing squad and removed multiple coaches but had not addressed what he described as deeper structural issues connected to Javed’s role in Pakistan cricket’s decision-making apparatus.
Context: Pakistan’s Series Struggles
Ajmal’s criticism comes after Pakistan suffered two heavy defeats against England, falling 2-0 behind in the three-match Test series. Following the second Test, the PCB made sweeping changes ahead of the third and final match, releasing several players from the squad and bringing in a number of replacements, while also reshuffling the coaching staff by removing the Test head coach and bowling coach and handing responsibility to the white-ball coaching staff instead.
The scale of these mid-series changes has fueled broader debate among former players and commentators about the PCB’s decision-making processes and long-term planning for the national team. For more cricket news and analysis, see our cricket news section. Official updates from the board are available on the Pakistan Cricket Board website.
