The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a dramatic overhaul of its Test squad and coaching setup after two disastrous matches against England, sending seven players and two coaches home ahead of the third and final Test in Birmingham. Reacting to the development, captain Babar Azam has revealed that he had no prior knowledge of the PCB's decision to remove the players and coaches.
"I was not consulted. It was news to me as well. I only found out about all these things later. PCB made the decisions, so they can explain it to you better," Babar reportedly said.
If Babar's statement is accurate, the decision indicates that the PCB acted unilaterally without consulting the Test captain.
The overhaul comes as Pakistan's Test campaign continues to struggle. The side has now lost 10 of its last 11 away Tests.
PCB has called back Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul as the head coach and bowling coach, respectively. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will fill their places again for the third Test.
The final Test of the three-match series begins on Wednesday, September 9, with England already holding an unassailable 2-0 lead.
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Seven Sent Home
The PCB's sweeping decision also saw several established players sent home. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, opening batter Imam-ul-Haq and the captain of the first Test, Salman Ali Agha were among the big names that were left out of the squad.
Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad, who also featured in Pakistan's second Test defeat at Lord's on Sunday, have been released from the squad.
All-rounder Aamir Jamal and batter Awais Zafar, who did not feature in either of the two Tests in England, have also been sent back.
The move came after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the first two Tests, prompting the selectors and PCB to make major changes with the series already beyond their reach.
Notably, Babar took over after Shan Masood was sacked in May. Pakistan drew its series against the West Indies 1-1 under him, but England have now secured a 2-0 lead in the ongoing three-match series.
Babar himself missed the first Test in Leeds because of a finger injury; Pakistan's batting struggles have been particularly severe in England.
The team has failed to cross the 200-run mark in any of its four innings in the series. Pakistan suffered an innings-and-103-run defeat in Leeds before losing the Lord's Test by 194 runs.
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal Recalled
With several players sent home, the selectors have brought in fresh faces. Opening batter Saim Ayub, who has played eight Tests, has been recalled to the squad.
Abdullah Fazal has also been brought back after initially being withdrawn from the England tour following an injury sustained in the West Indies.
The changes have also opened the door for five uncapped players to travel to England.
Five Uncapped Players Added
The five uncapped players included in the travelling group are:
Arafat Minhas - spin-bowling all-rounder
Mohammad Imran Jr. -fast bowler
Saad Baig - wicketkeeper
Mohammad Imran - fast-bowling all-rounder
Razaullah - fast-bowling all-rounder
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The sweeping changes leave Pakistan with a significantly reshaped squad heading into the final Test.
With England already 2-0 ahead, Pakistan will now look to avoid a series whitewash in Birmingham while the PCB's major shake-up puts the team's leadership, selection and coaching structure firmly under the spotlight.
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