Babar Azam to get Dropped from Pakistan Squad for 2nd England Test

As per the latest reports doing rounds in the industry, the ace cricket player of Pakistan Babar Azam will get dropped from the Pakistan squad as new selectors show no faith in him for the 2nd England Test.

By Emilia Blake 13 Oct 2024 in Cricket

New Update

Pakistan is anticipated to make a number of significant changes for the second Test match after suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of England in Multan. Babar Azam has been dropped by the PCB selection committee, according to ESPNcricinfo. The decision was taken in Lahore, Pakistan, just hours after the team's loss.

On Saturday, the committee convened once more, with Mohsin Naqvi serving as chairman. The selectors believe it would be best for Babar to take a break from the national team, even if captain Shan Masood has backed him. Since December 2022, Babar has failed to reach a half-century in Test matches.

Babar Azam's Place in Jeopardy:

🚨 Babar Azam’s dropping was recommended by the new selection committee, which met in Lahore hours after the first Test loss pic.twitter.com/ofUv1HVH0c
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 13, 2024

Aaqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Aleem Dar, Hasan Cheema, the format's captain, and head coach make up the PCB selection committee. However, it's also said that the head coach and captain were not there for the conversations.

Babar was out of form against England, scoring just 35 runs in two innings. In nine Tests since the beginning of 2023, his average is less than 21. He quit as Pakistan's captain of all formats following their elimination from the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, he was named captain of the T20I and ODI teams again four months later. He again resigned as captain after the second spell proved to be unlucky.

Following the opening Test Masood stated, "We want to develop a squad mentality. There isn't much Test cricket played here. It's challenging, particularly for batters. You have to give them plenty of chances, and Pakistan's top hitter is without a doubt, Babar Azam. Remember at all times that your best hitter is only a game away. We'll think about it and assess the terms that will be provided. We'll make an effort to bench the top team."

Even Abrar Khan, who is still in the hospital, is not likely to be in the starting lineup. The committee is debating a few spinners, with Sajid Khan and Noman Ali leading the pack. Due to fitness concerns, Shaheen Shah Afridi may possibly miss the second Test.

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