Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has called the selectors’ decision to make sweeping changes to the squad and remove head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed ahead of the third and final Test against England as the “most shocking ever”.
Selectors have axed seven players, including wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, batter Imam-ul-Haq and spinner Ali Usman, after the tourists’ 194-run defeat at Lord’s left them 2-0 down with just one match to play, at Edgbaston from September 9.
Of the seven players to have been drafted in, five are uncapped at Test level, in Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.
White-ball coach Mike Hesson will take charge following Sarfaraz’s axing, while Ashley Noffke is now assistant coach after Umar Gul was also relieved of his duties.
Writing on social media platform X, Afridi said: “Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision!”
“Even the replacements make no sense – T20 players have been included for a Test match in England?
“What is this thinking and approach? Why has the coach been axed after five Test matches?
“This is the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee which includes so many experienced selectors.”
Cricinfo has reported that Misbah-ul-Haq has offered to resign from the selection committee, but the Pakistan Cricket Board has yet to accept his resignation
Pakistan, who have now lost 15 of their last 20 Test matches, have been bowled out for less than 200 in all four of their innings in the series so far, skittled for 171 and 135 in Leeds and then for 110 and 194 at Lord’s.
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is one of the big names to have been axed by Pakistan
Watch day one of England’s third Test against Pakistan, from Edgbaston, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10am on Wednesday September 9 (11am first ball). Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream contract-free with NOW.
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