ENG vs PAK 3rd Test | 'This move reflects the familiar cycle of internal chaos...': Mohammad Yousaf on PCB's squad shake-up

Mohammad Yousaf (Pic: X/@yousaf1788)

Pakistan is set to take on England in the third Test match. The match is scheduled to begin from September 9 at the Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.

Ahead of the match, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made major changes to the squad.

Following the changes, former cricketer Mohammad Yousaf has criticised PCB by saying that the move reflects the familiar cycle of internal chaos and differences of opinion.

"The recent decision by the authorities to recall players and coaching staff from the ongoing tour does not appear to be only performance related. After all, we are not sending legends like Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, Inzamam‑ul‑Haq, or Saeed Anwar as replacements. Instead, this move reflects the familiar cycle of internal chaos, differences of opinion, and controversies that have long haunted Pakistan cricket. Since the glory of the 1992 World Cup, such turbulence has resurfaced time and again, eroding stability and distracting from the game itself," he wrote on his official social media handle.

"We have endured such turmoil in different forms many times before, each episode leaving scars on the team's progress and the fans' faith. The lesson is clear! only strong performances and consistent positive results can silence the noise. Pakistan cricket must focus on the field, not the boardroom, if it is to restore credibility and inspire confidence among fans. Success remains the most effective antidote," added Yousaf.

The PCB has released seven players from the Test squad. Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were also snubbed from their roles as head coach and bowling coach, respectively.

Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were among the players released from the squad.

In the ongoing three-match Test series, the hosts have already taken a lead by 2-0. They will look to continue on their winning momentum and register a whitewash against Pakistan. On the other hand, the visitors will be eager to secure a win and finish the series on a positive note, despite poor performances.

ENG vs PAK 3rd Test: Full squads

England: Joe Root (C), Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Dan Lawrence, Josh Tongue, Sam Cook, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith (WK), Jordon Cox (WK), Emilio Gay, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir.

Pakistan: Babar Azam (C), Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (WK), Razaullah, Saad Baig (WK), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Ubaid Shah.

(With ANI Inputs)