Pakistan cricket players attend royal meeting amid ongoing squad overhaul
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 2:19 PM
Last updated Sep 3, 2026
Pakistan’s touring cricket team attended a meeting with King Charles III at Clarence House following a period of turmoil during the series against England. Seven players and multiple coaches were removed from the group after the team lost matches at Lord’s and Headingley. Despite being dropped from the Test squad, four players were instructed to attend the royal engagement, while one unnamed player refused the order in protest. The team recently experienced internal conflict, including a threat to stop play at Lord’s over a media interview. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and captain Babar Azam participated in the event, which was intended to offer encouragement to the squad. Mike Hesson has been appointed to lead the team for the remainder of the series following the sacking of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed.
- •Seven players and several coaches were removed from the Test squad following recent losses.
- •Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, and Muhammad Awais Zafar attended the royal meeting.
- •Mike Hesson replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach for the rest of the tour.
- •Babar Azam presented a signed bat to King Charles III during the visit.
- •The squad previously threatened to boycott play at Lord's during the series.
- 2:19 PMYahoo Sports — Dropped from squad, Pakistan player refuses to meet King Charles III amid England tour chaos
"Pakistan’s cricket team faced fresh controversy when several players dropped from the Test squad were told to attend a meeting with King Charles III. Four attended despite preferring to stay away, while one refused in protest. The meeting came after Pakistan’s defeats to England triggered major squad changes, the sacking of coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and the appointment of Mike Hesson.
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