Misbah-ul-Haq Resigns From PCB Selection Committee After Pakistan’s England Test Shake-Up

ormer Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has resigned from the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) national selection committee, with the development coming amid a major overhaul of the Test side following Pakistan's disastrous start to their England tour.

According to reports from Pakistani media, Misbah informed the PCB of his decision by email. Sources cited by multiple outlets said the former captain had reservations about the selection process and was reportedly not consulted over the latest changes made to the squad. The PCB, however, had not issued an official statement confirming the resignation or detailing the reasons behind it at the time of reporting.

The reported resignation comes just a day after the PCB made sweeping changes following Pakistan's 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord's, a result that gave the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Pakistan had already suffered an innings-and-103-run defeat in the opening Test at Headingley.

Pakistan's batting had been particularly concerning, with the team failing to cross 200 in any of its first four innings of the series. Despite Saud Shakeel's fighting 97 at Lord's and Mohammad Abbas' five-wicket haul, Pakistan ultimately folded for 194 while chasing 389.

In response, the PCB announced an extraordinary mid-series overhaul. Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were released from the Test squad. Seven replacements were subsequently named, including Test-returnees Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal and five players yet to make their Test debuts.

The coaching structure was also altered. Sarfaraz Ahmed was released as Test head coach, while bowling coach Umar Gul was also removed. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and former Australia seamer Ashley Noffke were brought in for the third Test.

The third Test begins in Birmingham on September 9, but the upheaval has now extended into Pakistan's selection setup, with Misbah's reported departure adding another major layer to an already turbulent England tour.