BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM — WEB DESK: Pakistan’s interim red-ball head coach Mike Hesson has distanced himself from key decisions behind the national team’s dramatic mid-series overhaul in England, saying several changes had already been made before he assumed responsibility for the Test side.
The Pakistan Cricket Board made sweeping changes after defeats in the opening two Tests against England, releasing seven players and replacing members of the coaching staff. Sarfaraz Ahmed was removed as Test head coach, while Umar Gul was also released from the coaching setup. Hesson, already Pakistan’s white-ball coach, was brought in to take charge ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston.
Hesson said he had not previously been involved with Pakistan’s red-ball selection process and was not a member of the Test selection panel. He explained that Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha had already been released from the squad when he was asked to take charge.
According to Hesson, his involvement began later, with the immediate task of putting together a balanced squad capable of competing in English conditions. He said his focus was on creating greater variety in the bowling attack and ensuring the team had suitable all-round options.
The shake-up followed two heavy defeats that gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series. Pakistan lost the opening Test at Headingley before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord’s.
The PCB’s decision to make such extensive changes in the middle of a Test series has drawn criticism from several former Pakistan captains and coaches. Ramiz Raja described the overhaul as a “panic button” response, while other former players questioned the timing and scale of the changes.
Hesson has also rejected reports suggesting Salman Ali Agha refused to attend Pakistan’s meeting with King Charles III. He said the circumstances surrounding Agha’s absence had been misrepresented and criticised the reporting of the episode.
Pakistan will now look to avoid a series whitewash when the third and final Test begins at Edgbaston on September 9. Hesson’s immediate challenge will be to bring stability to a substantially changed squad and produce a stronger performance against England
