Babar Speaks on Squad Shake-Up After PCB's Sudden Overhaul

Babar Azam has revealed that Pakistan's latest Test squad changes caught him off guard, with the captain saying he found out about the Pakistan Cricket Board's decisions only after the overhaul was made.

The PCB removed seven players from the squad during the ongoing England series and changed members of the coaching setup. Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha were among those dropped, while Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke came into the coaching staff in place of Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul.

“No, it was news for me too. I also came to know about this later. But as I said earlier, the PCB made this decision. [So], I think they will explain it better,” said Babar.

The shake-up follows two heavy defeats that have left Pakistan 2-0 down in the three-Test contest. England won 1st Test by an innings and 103 runs before beating Pakistan by 194 runs in the 2nd Test.

Pakistan's next task is to settle on a new combination for the final Test. Babar said the team has already reduced its options to 12 players and will make the final call after assessing the conditions.

“We have almost formed 12-a-side and [will give it] the final touch tonight or tomorrow morning as to which combination we would go. So, our final lineup is almost ready,” Babar revealed without indulging into further details.

Babar speaks on squad shake-up while Pakistan is attempting to end a difficult series on a positive note. The captain said the players are preparing without dwelling on the fact that the contest has already been decided.

“Yes, a surprise for us. But the new players are coming. They have a golden opportunity to grab and play this game,” Babar stated.

The captain also addressed the PCB's decision to initiate an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning the team's conduct during the tour. Babar said he was not part of any discussion surrounding the matter and had no knowledge of the inquiry.

Another issue surrounding Pakistan has been the selection of their previous XI. Aaqib Javed said that the captain and head coach carry responsibility for deciding the team.

Babar defended the selection while accepting that Pakistan failed collectively in the second Test.

“If we talk about the last match, we didn't play well as a team in all three areas, batting, bowling and fielding. If you don't play as a team, if you don't get good results, such things will continue to happen,” said Babar.

He added that the XI had been chosen after considering the pitch and conditions.

“But the playing XI we fielded at that time, reading the pitch and looking at the conditions, we felt that was the best. We just couldn't get the results as we should have,” he added.

The series result has already been settled, removing the immediate pressure of trying to keep the contest alive. Babar said Pakistan's focus should instead be on playing with greater freedom and giving the new-look side a chance to respond.

“For us, the series has been lost. But there is nothing to lose. We should play freely. We should believe in ourselves as a team.

“As a team, we have been practising for a couple of days. We have talked to each other. We have explained to the new guys.

“Whenever a new team comes. The youngster gets excited. That excitement is visible.

“Inshallah, you will see better things in the match.”

Babar said the final XI would be selected only after the team had a closer look at the conditions, with Pakistan seeking a performance that can at least prevent a series whitewash.

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