Edgbaston, UK — Pakistan cricket has entered a state of absolute turmoil following a massive mid-series squad and coaching purge that has drawn fierce backlash from legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi.
Afridi Slams “T20 Selections” for Test Matches
Expressing his utter disbelief on social media, former captain Shahid Afridi questioned the logic of bringing in unproven short-format players for demanding English red-ball conditions.
“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 .”
The Dramatic Coaching and Roster Shake-Up
Following crushing defeats in the opening two Tests, the PCB completely dismantled the team’s leadership and core structure ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston.
- Coaching Staff Fired: Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul have been removed after just five matches in charge .
- New Management Appointed: Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australia seamer Ashley Noffke have been rushed in to take control.
- Seven Players Dropped: Mainstays Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, and Khurram Shahzad have been axed, while Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Jafar were sent home without playing a game.
- Uncapped Reinforcements: Five newcomers—Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran, and Razaullah—have been added alongside experienced batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal.
Former PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja echoed Afridi’s concerns, telling BBC Radio 5 Live that the massive overhaul proves “Pakistan cricket has hit a panic button.”
Political Tensions Blur the Tour
The internal cricket chaos follows severe diplomatic and political drama during the second Test. The PCB initially threatened to cancel the entire tour at lunch on Day 1 after Sky broadcast an interview with the sons of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. While captain Babar Azam and the now-sacked Sarfaraz Ahmed denied knowledge of a planned boycott, the tour survived .
The heavily altered Pakistan squad is still scheduled to meet King Charles at Clarence House this week before focusing on the series finale on September 9.
