Misbah resigns as Pakistan cricket crisis deepens

LAHORE: Pakistan cricket’s ongoing turmoil deepened on Wednesday after senior selector and former captain Misbah-ul-Haq resigned from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), reportedly following disagreements over team selection and consultation processes.

Misbah submitted his resignation to the PCB by email and has also decided to step down from his role as batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, according to sources.

The development comes after a series of dramatic changes surrounding the Pakistan Test team during its England tour, where poor performances have triggered intense criticism of the team management and selection process.

The PCB had appointed Misbah alongside former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as members of the national selection setup. He had also worked as a consultant and coach at the National Cricket Academy.

Sources close to Misbah said the former captain decided to leave the selection committee after he was allegedly not consulted over players sent for the England tour. He has reportedly informed the PCB that he will serve a one-month notice period before formally ending his association with the board.

Another source said Misbah had been asked to provide explanations regarding certain team-selection decisions, following which he decided to resign.

Misbah’s departure adds another layer to the crisis that has engulfed Pakistan cricket following consecutive Test defeats in England.

Meanwhile, opener Imam-ul-Haq, who became a central figure in the controversy surrounding the Lord’s Test, quietly returned to Lahore from London. He reportedly left the airport wearing a mask and was escorted through the departure area under security.

Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who travelled from London with Imam, later took a flight from Doha to Islamabad and also returned home without speaking to the media.

The PCB has already released several players from the England tour and made changes to the coaching setup, increasing speculation that further decisions could follow.

Misbah had previously appeared alongside former chief selector Aaqib Javed at a press conference where Pakistan’s squads for the West Indies and England tours were announced.

His resignation now raises fresh questions about the board’s selection procedures, internal communication and decision-making structure.

With experienced figures departing and major changes underway, Pakistan cricket faces a crucial period. The PCB must now determine whether the latest upheaval will lead to a long-term restructuring or deepen an already serious crisis.