Pakistan’s turbulent Test tour of England has taken another unexpected turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) making sweeping changes after consecutive defeats. Amid the upheaval, former England captain Michael Atherton has raised concerns about Babar Azam’s position and questioned how much authority the Pakistan skipper can realistically exercise inside the dressing room.

PCB’s mid-series overhaul raises eyebrows

Pakistan’s three-Test series in England, scheduled from August 19 to September 13, has been overshadowed by a major shake-up following losses in the opening two matches. England dominated Pakistan at Headingley, winning by an innings and 103 runs, before producing another convincing performance at Lord’s to claim a 194-run victory. With the series already decided, the PCB responded by sending seven players home, including Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq.

The board also made changes to the coaching setup, removing Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul from their positions. Mike Hesson is now expected to oversee Pakistan for the third and final Test at Edgbaston, beginning on September 9. Babar, who was reappointed Pakistan’s Test captain on July 5 after Shan Masood’s stint in charge, missed the opening Test because of a right-hand injury.

Also WATCH: Babar Azam gifts King Charles III a signed Pakistan cricket bat

Michael Atherton questions Babar Azam’s authority

Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Atherton expressed strong reservations about the way Pakistan’s changes have been handled. The former England skipper believes the PCB’s intervention could have consequences that extend well beyond the final Test in Birmingham. In his view, the manner in which players and coaches have been removed makes it harder for a captain to establish the kind of authority required to build a stable team.

“Not in this instance, no, because of the damage it will do in the long term. This is no way to manage players and no way to build a long-term vision at all,” Atherton said.

Atherton also questioned what the developments mean for Babar’s ability to lead the side effectively.

“I feel it’s a horrible position for a captain, Babar Azam, to be in – and what kind of authority does he or indeed any captain of Pakistan have in this outfit?” he added.

Atherton acknowledged that modern international captains do not enjoy the sweeping control that some leaders possessed several decades ago. However, he argued that the role still requires a meaningful say in major team decisions.

“One understands that the captain is not all-powerful these days, you’re not going back 30 years ago when they perhaps ran the show, but they have to have some authority within a team,” Atherton said.

That observation puts Babar in a particularly awkward situation. Having only recently returned to the Test captaincy, he now finds himself leading a side undergoing substantial personnel and coaching changes. Although Pakistan cannot win the series, the Edgbaston Test could prove significant for Babar and the team’s new-look setup. With Hesson taking charge and several established players already sent home, Pakistan will be looking to restore some stability.

Also READ: Sonny Baker retained as Brydon Carse misses out of England’s squad for Edgbaston Test against Pakistan