Pakistan have a historical past of constructing eccentric selections within the wake of defeats. On England’s final tour of Pakistan in 2024, the hosts responded to shedding the primary Take a look at, when England made a complete in extra of 800, by taking part in the second Take a look at on the identical pitch in Multan.
On that event, Pakistan used backyard heaters and followers to dry the floor, to help their spinners. The house aspect received the subsequent two Exams to win the sequence 2-1.
Now, among the many seven gamers despatched dwelling are Salman, who captained within the first Take a look at within the absence of the injured Babar Azam, then was dropped for the second.
Additionally dropped is opener Imam-ul-Haq, who was criticised at Lord’s for not making an attempt to bat in both innings after struggling a calf damage whereas fielding on the opening day.
Raja, who performed 57 Exams between 1984 and 1997, added: “I am actually not proud of the state of affairs.
“What number of occasions have we seen this occur in world cricket? By no means, ever. That is extra like soccer, halfway by means of the season, firing a supervisor.
“When you ask me how issues may be mounted, I’ve acquired no concept.”
The sweeping choice adjustments come after the Pakistan workforce have been surrounded by controversy throughout the second Take a look at.
At lunch on the primary day, the PCB threatened to cancel the rest of the match and tour due to an interview with the sons of Imran Khan that was broadcast by Sky.
Imran, the previous Pakistan captain and prime minster, has been in jail for 3 years on expenses of corruption, which he denies.
Pakistan in the end accomplished the Take a look at, with each captain Babar and head coach Sarfaraz denying any information of a deliberate boycott.
The vacationers are additionally as a consequence of have an viewers with King Charles at Clarence Home this week.