Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made significant changes to the national test squad, releasing Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah ahead of the second Test against England. This decision follows the team’s disappointing performance in the first Test.
Babar Azam’s recent test performance, marked by a 18-innings drought without a half-century, has resulted in his omission from the national squad. Furthermore, Sarfaraz Ahmed, previously released from the test team, will not be included in the 16-member squad for the second Test.
In a significant overhaul, the national squad has welcomed newcomers Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, and Mubasir Khan. The PCB is expected to announce the final 16-member squad for the second Test soon, after consultations with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The selection committee has concluded consultations with the captain and head coach prior to the second Test between Pakistan and England. Meanwhile, captain Shan Masood’s leadership is under scrutiny following Pakistan’s sixth consecutive Test defeat, sparking speculation about his potential replacement.