Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has publicly denounced the recent decision by the national selectors to completely revamp the Test side and dismiss head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed ahead of the third and final Test against England. Afridi described the move as "the most shocking ever" and questioned the logic behind such a drastic reshuffle.
The overhaul saw seven members of the squad dropped in one fell swoop. Among those omitted were senior wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, top‑order batsman Imam-ul-Haq and left‑arm spinner Ali Usman.
Their removal follows a 194‑run loss at Lord's that left Pakistan trailing 2‑0 in the series with only the Edgbaston Test remaining, scheduled to start on 9 September. In an even more surprising twist, the selectors have filled the vacancies with five players who have never before featured in a Test match. The newcomers – Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah – are all uncapped at the longest format, raising eyebrows about the wisdom of thrusting raw talent into a high‑stakes encounter on English soil. The coaching staff has also been reshaped.
White‑ball specialist Mike Hesson has been appointed to take over the head‑coach duties after Sarfaraz Ahmed’s dismissal. Additionally, former fast‑bowler Ashley Noffke has been named assistant coach, replacing Umar Gul, who was also relieved of his responsibilities.
Afridi took to the social‑media platform X to voice his bewilderment. He wrote: "Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision!" He continued, "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 only five Test matches?" Afridi concluded his post with a pointed remark, calling the decision "the most shocking ever by a selection committee that includes so many experienced selectors." The revised squad list now reads as follows: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket‑keeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicket‑keeper), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.
The inclusion of several uncapped players alongside established names underscores the magnitude of the gamble the board is taking. According to reports from Cricinfo, former captain Misbah-ul-Haq has tendered his resignation from the selection panel, though the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet accepted it. Misbah’s potential departure adds another layer of instability to an already turbulent selection environment. Pakistan’s recent Test record provides context for the urgency behind the changes.
The side has now lost 15 of its last 20 Test matches, and in the ongoing series they have been dismissed for fewer than 200 runs in every innings. They were bowled out for 171 and 135 in Leeds, then for 110 and 194 at Lord's – figures that highlight a persistent batting collapse.
The decision to replace a seasoned head coach after just five Tests, and to introduce a cohort of largely untested players, suggests the board is seeking a radical reset. Critics argue that such a wholesale approach may undermine team cohesion and confidence, especially with the final Test looming. Supporters, however, contend that fresh faces could inject new energy and perhaps spark a turnaround in a series that looks increasingly bleak for Pakistan.
Fans can watch the third Test live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 9 September (first ball at 11 a.m).
For viewers without a Sky subscription, alternative streaming options are available through NOW, which offers contract‑free access to live cricket. In summary, the Pakistani cricket establishment has embarked on an unprecedented reshuffle of both playing personnel and coaching staff ahead of a crucial Test at Edgbaston. The move has provoked strong reactions from former players like Shahid Afridi, who view it as a bewildering and shocking departure from conventional selection practices.
Whether this bold strategy will revive Pakistan’s fortunes or further destabilise an already struggling side remains to be seen, but the cricketing world will be watching closely as the final match unfolds.