Babar Azam and Moshin Naqvi (Agency Image) Nasser Hussain has joined the growing criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing the governing body of making the situation worse after the team suffered defeats in the first two Tests of the three-match series in England. Pakistan were beaten in Headingley and Lord’s, after which the PCB made a sweeping overhaul of the touring set-up.

Seven players were sent back from England, while two members of the coaching staff were also removed. The move has attracted criticism from former players and experts across the cricketing world.

Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq were among those told to return home. Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was also replaced, with Mike Hesson set to take charge for the third Test in Birmingham, which begins on September 9.

The controversy has extended beyond the squad changes. Aaqib Javed, the PCB's director of high performance, criticised Imam on live television and questioned the opener’s commitment to the team.

Imam suffered a calf strain on the opening day of the Lord’s Test and was subsequently ruled out of the match. The left-handed batter did not take part with the bat in either innings, while his actions on the fourth day further fuelled questions over the seriousness of the injury.

Before play began on the fourth day, Imam was seen knocking the ball around despite his injury. The footage prompted further scrutiny, with former England pacer Stuart Broad famously saying it was all “for show.”

Hussain, however, believes the bigger issue lies with how the PCB handled the matter. “I don't think after Headingley that the world was laughing at Pakistan.

“It was out of frustration of seeing where this great cricketing nation is now. What they have done now is make them a laughingstock.

They have made it worse,” he added. Hussain questions Imam handlingHussain then turned his attention to the treatment of Imam, expressing disbelief that a senior official within Pakistan cricket would publicly criticise one of the team's own players.

“I cannot believe how a director of high performance can go on telly, rightly or wrongly, and throw a player under the bus. “For every other touring side, if we ask how a player is doing, they would say, 'he has had a scan and will only bat if needed'.