Azhar Ali criticizes Aaqib Javed after Pakistan squad changes
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 3:03 PM
Last updated Sep 7, 2026
Former captain Azhar Ali has condemned the current management of the Pakistan cricket team following recent heavy losses in the ongoing Test tour of England. The team, which recently saw head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul relieved of their duties alongside the removal of seven players, has been criticized for a lack of long-term vision. Azhar specifically targeted High Performance Director and senior selector Aaqib Javed, arguing that Javed deflects blame for poor team performances despite holding authority over roster decisions. The team remains in a state of flux, with Azhar suggesting that the current instability has negatively impacted captain Azam. He called for a shift away from immediate reactive changes in favor of a stable structure that supports development over several years. Several high-profile figures have criticized the recent team overhaul, including the resignation of Misbah-ul-Haq as a selector in protest.
- •Azhar Ali publicly questioned the performance and accountability of selector Aaqib Javed.
- •Pakistan coaching staff including Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were recently removed.
- •Seven players were sent home following defeats at Headingley and Lord's.
- •Misbah-ul-Haq resigned as a selector to protest the recent management decisions.
- •Azhar urged the organization to prioritize long-term stability rather than reactive roster changes.
- 3:03 PMYahoo Sports — 'Every decision he makes backfires': Former Pakistan captain launches scathing attack on selector Aaqib Javed, says 'step away'
"Azhar Ali, who played 97 Tests for Pakistan, also criticised High Performance Director and senior selector Aaqib Javed. He accused Javed of trying to distance himself from the team's poor performances and said he should take responsibility for his decisions.
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