Reason behind Pakistan selector Misbah-ul-Haq’s resignation revealed

LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has resigned from the national selection committee amid a sweeping shake-up in Pakistan cricket following the team’s disappointing Test tour of England.

Misbah has reportedly begun his notice period after deciding to step down from his position as a national selector. His resignation comes at a time when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reviewing decisions made by the selection committee after two consecutive defeats in England.

According to sources, the immediate trigger behind Misbah’s decision was a notice issued by the PCB to members of the national selection committee.

The board reportedly sought an explanation over the selection of Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan for the Test squad. The selectors were asked to explain the criteria used to select the two experienced players, as well as their performances.

The PCB reportedly gave the selectors 24 hours to provide their response, adding further pressure on the selection committee during an already turbulent period.

Pakistan’s Test campaign in England has faced mounting criticism after the team suffered heavy defeats in its first two matches. The setbacks have prompted the board to take a series of emergency measures involving both players and coaching staff.

During the England tour, the PCB released seven players from the Test squad. Those released included Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman, Owais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.

The board has also released head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s red-ball setup.

Misbah’s resignation is now another major development in the ongoing restructuring process. The former captain, who has held prominent roles in Pakistan cricket over the years, is regarded as one of the country’s most experienced figures in both playing and management capacities.

The latest moves reflect the growing pressure on the PCB to address Pakistan’s poor results and selection decisions.

With the team struggling on the field and major changes taking place off it, attention is now focused on who will replace the departing officials and whether the PCB’s latest overhaul can produce a more consistent and competitive Test side.

The coming days could therefore prove crucial for Pakistan cricket, as the board weighs further changes to its selection, coaching and team-management structure.