Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam expressed surprise at the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) swift decision to remove head coach Sarfraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul following a significant defeat against England at Lord’s. The PCB also sent seven players, including experienced cricketers Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Ali Agha, home mid-series, replacing some with uncapped players. These sweeping changes were reportedly orchestrated by the national selection panel, separate from the team’s management. Babar stated he learned of the changes after they were implemented, emphasizing he was not involved in the decision-making process. Aaqib Javed, the board’s high-performance director, explained the changes stemmed from dissatisfaction with coaching staff selections. Despite the upheaval, Babar was maintained as captain for the final Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, England, but deferred further explanation to the PCB.