Former Australia batter Usman Khawaja has questioned the lack of stability in Pakistan cricket, saying frequent changes to coaches, selectors and players would make him hesitant to take up the national team’s head coach role.
Speaking on the Backward Point Pod, Khawaja was asked whether he would consider coaching Pakistan in the future.
The former opener said he could consider the opportunity if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) establishes greater stability, particularly within the leadership and administration of the cricket system.
Khawaja Calls for Stability in Pakistan Cricket
Khawaja said Pakistan’s cricket setup appears to undergo constant changes, making it difficult for coaches and players to operate with long-term certainty.
“I find the Pakistani cricket team, I say this always, seems like it’s forever changing. The coaches are forever changing, and the selectors are forever changing. There’s no stability in Pakistan cricket. The stability needs to be found from the top,” he said.
He also raised concerns over frequent changes to the national squad, arguing that some of Pakistan’s best players regularly move in and out of the team.
“It feels like Pakistan’s best players are coming in and out. If there was a bit more stability in the future, you could contemplate it. I feel like if I do it in the Pakistani cricket team, I’ll be there one minute, but then be out the next minute,” Khawaja added.
PCB Makes Major Changes Before Third Test
Khawaja’s comments come amid significant changes to Pakistan’s Test setup following defeats against England in the first two matches of the three-Test series.
Ahead of the third Test, the PCB released seven players from the squad. They included Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Aamer Jamal, Salman Ali Agha and Awais Zafar.
The players were replaced by Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jr and Razaullah.
The coaching staff was also reshuffled, with red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul released from their positions.
White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke are set to oversee the team during the third Test.
England Already Lead Test Series 2-0
The changes have been made with England already holding an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series.
The third and final Test is scheduled to take place in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.
Pakistan will be looking to avoid a series whitewash, while the PCB will also face scrutiny over its decision to make significant squad and coaching changes during the series.
Khawaja’s remarks have added to the wider debate over Pakistan cricket’s selection policies, coaching structure and the need for continuity at the national level.
