Shahid Afridi Raises Serious Concerns Over Pakistan’s Latest Squad Changes Ahead of Birmingham Test

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has questioned the PCB’s recent decisions regarding the national team shake-up. He was unhappy with the major changes made to the Test squad and coaching staff, especially the choice to bring in T20 players for the third Test against England.

Afridi shared his thoughts on social media, where he raised questions about the way Pakistan’s Test squad was put together. He pointed out that players who mainly play T20 cricket were being considered for a red-ball game, and questioned whether they were the right choices for the England Test.

“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?” said Shahid Afridi in a social media post.

Afridi also criticized the move to part ways with the head coach after only five Tests. He said the selection committee’s decision was hard to understand and regarded it as one of the most shocking calls it had made recently.

“Why has the coach been axed after 5 Test matches? This is the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee which includes so many experienced selectors,” said Shahid Afridi.

For the unversed, Sarfaraz Ahmed took charge of Pakistan’s red-ball side on April 18 after the PCB appointed him as head coach. His first challenge came on the Bangladesh tour, where Pakistan failed to win a single Test and returned home after losing the two-match series 2-0.

The team had a better result on its next overseas trip to the West Indies, as Pakistan managed to draw the Test series 1-1. However, things have gone badly in England, where the green shirts have already lost the first two Tests of the three-match series. They now have one final game left to avoid a clean sweep.

After the poor results, the PCB made a number of changes to Pakistan’s squad for the third and final Test against England. The match is set to be played in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.

Seven players have been left out of the squad, with the PCB naming replacements for them. The board has also made changes to the coaching staff ahead of the final Test. Sarfaraz will no longer remain in charge of the red-ball team, while Umar Gul has also been removed from his position as fast-bowling coach.

Mike Hesson, who heads the white-ball side, will take over the team for the final Test. Ashley Noffke will join him as the bowling coach as Pakistan look to finish the series on a better note.