Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s selection committee for sending seven Test players home from the ongoing three-match England Test tour.
Taking to his official social media handle, Afridi questioned the logic behind this ‘shocking’ decision. Notably, on August 31, the PCB decided to send in a fresh set of players for the third and final Test against England, which didn’t go down well with the former skipper.
“Not sure what the logic or reasoning is 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?” Afridi wrote on his official social media handle.
“This is the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee which includes so many experienced selectors,” he added.
The seven players released included Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad. On the other hand, Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah have been added to the updated Pakistan Test squad.
Interestingly, PCB also sacked the Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul with immediate effect. Sarfaraz and Gul will be replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke.
Pakistan’s updated Test squad for the third Test vs England:
Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah
