Pakistan changes ‘most shocking ever’ – Afridi
Pakistan have overhauled their squad and coaching staff midway through their Test series in England, a decision former captain Shahid Afridi has called the "most shocking" ever made by a selection committee. Seven players, including Muhammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, have been dropped, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul have been replaced by white-ball coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke. The shake-up comes after Pakistan were heavily beaten in the first two Tests and follows a tense second Test in which the tour was nearly abandoned amid controversy over broadcast comments from Imran Khan's sons.
Seven new players have been called up ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston, starting 9 September, including five uncapped cricketers alongside batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have prior Test experience. Afridi criticised the inclusion of T20 specialists for an English Test match and questioned why the coach was axed after only five Tests, while former captain and PCB chairman Ramiz Raja said the move showed Pakistan cricket had "hit a panic button". The changes come as the Pakistan squad prepares for a previously arranged meeting with King Charles at Clarence House this week.
In short
- Pakistan overhaul squad and coaches mid-series after two Test defeats
- Afridi brands selection changes the "most shocking decision ever"
- Seven players dropped, seven called up before Edgbaston Test on 9 September
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
After two heavy defeats, a major reset could be justified as an attempt to restore competitiveness and give fresh players a chance to change the team’s fortunes. The selectors may also believe that batters with white-ball experience can adapt to Test cricket, while new coaching leadership can address problems quickly during the series.
The case against
Overhauling the squad and coaching staff midway through a Test series risks disrupting preparation and undermining confidence when players need stability. Critics can reasonably question whether T20 specialists and five uncapped players are suited to an English Test, and whether dismissing a coach after only five Tests allows enough time to assess his work.
Explained simply
Pakistan’s cricket team is run by the Pakistan Cricket Board, which appoints selectors and coaches. A Test is the longest form of international cricket: matches can last up to five days, and players need skills suited to sustained batting and bowling. Pakistan are playing a three-match Test series in England.
The players mentioned include Shahid Afridi and Ramiz Raja, former Pakistan captains who have commented on the team’s decisions. T20 cricket is a much shorter format, so players known for it may have less experience of Test matches. Changes to a squad and coaching staff during a series can affect preparation and team continuity, making the decisions significant for Pakistan’s remaining match.
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