Azhar Ali Urges Long-Term Reform After Pakistan's England Turmoil

Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to pursue long-term structural reform after the national team's Test tour of England descended into upheaval. In an interview reported by The Guardian, the 41-year-old argued that Pakistan's difficulties extend well beyond the results of one series and cannot be repaired within a single year.

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Pakistan suffered heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord's before seven players were removed from the touring party and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was moved aside. The Guardian also reported that former captain Misbah-ul-Haq resigned from his role as a selector in protest. The changes came with Pakistan 2-0 down and a third Test still to play.

Azhar pointed to a broader record of decline and instability. Pakistan are bottom of the World Test Championship standings for a second consecutive cycle and have lost 15 of their past 20 matches, according to The Guardian. Frequent changes involving coaches, selectors, captains and the domestic structure have accompanied that run.

The former Test captain also expressed concern about Babar Azam, who is two months into another spell leading the side. Azhar said the lack of internal support and sustained criticism had affected Babar, who has gone nearly four years without a Test century. He suggested that Babar may need to consider his position during what he described as an especially difficult period in which to captain Pakistan.

Azhar's proposed response centers on continuity in the domestic game, stronger pathway coaching and better financial incentives for leading players. He placed particular emphasis on developing red-ball fast bowlers, arguing that the earning power of short-format leagues gives players an understandable reason to prioritize white-ball cricket unless Test cricket offers a compelling professional environment.

His assessment was that key officials and development staff should be appointed and supported over three- or four-year periods, with the under-19 program treated as a central part of the recovery. Azhar said meaningful improvement could take four or five years, while maintaining that Pakistan still possesses the talent required. The message from his Guardian interview was clear: stability, accountability and patient development must replace repeated short-term resets.