Pakistan Cricket turmoil deepens as axed player snubs King Charles meeting in protest against PCB

Pakistan's cricketing crisis has spilt into an unusual diplomatic setting, with one of the seven players recently removed from the Test squad reportedly refusing to meet King Charles III during the team's visit to Clarence House.

The player, whose identity has not been disclosed, was among seven cricketers axed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the team's crushing 194-run defeat to England at Lord's, which left Pakistan 2-0 down in the three-match series. Despite being released from the squad, the seven players were reportedly instructed to attend the royal engagement alongside the remaining members of the touring party.

Pakistan player protests against PCB

According to reports, four of the seven - Muhammad Awais Zafar, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad and Ali Usman - attended the meeting. Two others were understood to have expressed reluctance, while one player chose to stay away altogether in protest against the manner in which the PCB handled the squad overhaul.

The meeting itself remained cordial. King Charles spoke with the Pakistan players and offered encouragement ahead of their final Test against England in Birmingham. Pakistan captain Babar Azam presented the monarch with a bat signed by the team, while PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also gave him a gift.

The unusual episode comes after a turbulent week for Pakistan cricket. Following successive defeats at Headingley and Lord's, the PCB made sweeping changes, with seven players removed from the touring squad, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant coach Umar Gul were also dismissed. Misbah-ul-Haq subsequently resigned from the selection committee.

The overhaul has attracted criticism from former Pakistan cricketers, while the PCB has also reportedly sought explanations from selectors over the decisions. The board's recruitment effort for a new fielding coach through LinkedIn added another talking point amid the wider uncertainty.

With Pakistan already having lost the series, the third Test at Edgbaston now carries academic significance for Pakistan. But with the World Test Championship final on the line, it will be important for the hosts to ensure a victory and keep their hopes alive.

Currently, Pakistan are at the bottom of the WTC points table with a PCT of 16.67. On the other hand, England are placed 6th and have a PCT of 34.44.