India, Sept. 2 -- The Pakistan Cricket Board has invited sharp criticism from former players after sacking two coaches and sending back seven players in the middle of the Test series in England. Pakistan lost the first two Tests of the three-match series in an abject manner. The visitors lost the series opener by an innings and 103 runs, while the second Test ended in a heavy 194-run defeat.

The players sent back home included national T20 captain Salman Ali Agha, former captain Muhammad Rizwan and senior batter Imamul Haq. Mostly youngsters and uncapped players have replaced the seven for the third Test, starting September 9 in Birmingham.

Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed. Pakistan's former foreign...