Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for making major changes to the national setup during the ongoing England tour. Akram described the decision to send seven players and two coaches back midway through the Test series as “embarrassing” and questioned the communication between the board, team management and captain.

Pakistan have struggled for consistency in recent years, and Akram believes stability and clear communication are essential if the team is to improve. According to the legendary fast bowler, making sweeping changes during an overseas series can further unsettle an already struggling side.

“Consistency is the key, of course, but for how long? When seven players and two coaches return in the middle of a tour, it is embarrassing for the team and the captain, and it also shows there is a lack of communication,” Wasim Akram said while speaking to YouTuber Furqan Bhatti.

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Despite his criticism, Akram remains confident about the talent available in Pakistan. His involvement with several Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises over the past few years has allowed him to closely observe the country’s players, and he believes the core group possesses enough ability to succeed at the international level.

“I have been involved in the PSL with these teams for the past four to five years, so I have seen the situation closely. In my view, the talent is there. Coaches may change, but the core players remain largely the same,” he said. Wasim Akram also urged the PCB to be patient with its domestic cricket structure rather than repeatedly changing it. He believes any system needs several years to produce measurable results.

“Everyone has to give the system at least three to four years. Whoever comes in next should avoid constantly changing the first-class structure. Give it four to five years, and then you will see the results,” Akram said.

The former captain further stressed the importance of rebuilding grassroots cricket in Pakistan. He called for stronger club, school and college competitions to create a reliable pathway for young cricketers.

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“We need to revive club cricket as well as school and college cricket. If grassroots cricket disappears, where will the talent come from?” he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s problems continued in the third Test at Edgbaston. England fast bowler Ollie Robinson made an immediate impact in Pakistan’s second innings, dismissing Saim Ayub with the opening delivery before striking again three balls later. Robinson had already been named Player of the Match in the first two Tests, and his early breakthroughs further highlighted Pakistan’s struggles during the England tour.