ENG v PAK 2026: “We are used to taking reactive decisions,” Misbah slams PCB for sweeping mid-tour overhaul of Test squad

Former skipper Misbah-ul-Haq slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its panic-driven, reactive approach after a sweeping mid-tour overhaul during the Test series in England.

Notably, Misbah stepped down as national selector after the PCB released seven players and two caches from the squad for losing the first two Test matches at Headingley and Lord’s.

While the turn of events prompted Misbah to resign, the PCB also issued a show-cause notice to every member of the selection committee, demanding explanations for certain picks.

Speaking on a Pakistani TV show, Misbah highlighted double standards in how the board treats local versus foreign coaches, noting that the former face intense scrutiny while the latter hold more authority.

"It is a fact that local and foreign coaches are treated differently in Pakistan cricket. Local coaches have to face more scrutiny and criticism when compared to foreign coaches," Misbah said.

"I don't think there is anything wrong in having foreign coaches but what bothers me is we (fans, critics, media, PCB) tend to have a soft corner for foreign coaches," he added.

Red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were relieved of their duties, with Mike Hesson-led white-ball coaching staff asked to take over the backroom responsibilities for the rest of the England tour.

"We tend to give foreign coaches more authority and power and he is held less responsible if the team performs poorly. In contrast, local coaches always facing scrutiny from everyone."

Misbah further stated that the PCB frequently panics under pressure rather than conducting calm, analytical reviews of team performance.

"We shouldn't panic and do cosmetic surgery because of pressure. We need to analyse performances and the situation and then decide how to move forward," Misbah said. "Unfortunately, we are used to taking reactive decisions in Pakistan cricket."

Misbah urged the PCB to take a leaf out of the BCCI’s book by focusing on structural patience rather than knee-jerk decisions. He highlighted several key factors behind India's dominance.

"Our youngsters are playing too much white-ball cricket and their exposure to red-ball cricket is limited. Not enough four-day cricket. This means they have more chances of cracking under pressure.

"India took time to process and develop and they made gradual investments in their system after the 90s. There is no quick fix to the system," he remarked.