Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has publicly denounced the recent decision by the national selectors to completely revamp the Test side and to dismiss head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed ahead of the third and final Test against England. Afridi described the move as "the most shocking ever" in the history of Pakistani cricket selections. The overhaul saw seven members of the squad dropped in one fell swoop, among them first‑choice wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, seasoned opening batsman Imam‑ul‑Haq, and left‑arm spinner Ali Usman.
The changes came after England’s 194‑run victory at Lord's, which left Pakistan trailing the series 2‑0 with only a single match remaining at Edgbaston, scheduled to begin on 9 September. In a surprising twist, five of the newly called‑up players have never before featured in a Test match. The fresh faces include Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr., Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah – all of whom have only limited experience in the longer format. The selectors appear to be betting on raw talent and potential rather than proven performance at the highest level.
With Sarfaraz Ahmed removed from his coaching duties, white‑ball specialist Mike Hesson has been appointed as interim head coach for the upcoming Test. Additionally, former fast bowler Ashley Noffke has been named assistant coach after the board also terminated the services of Umar Gul.
Afridi took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice his bewilderment. He wrote, "Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision!" He went on to question the rationale of inserting players who are primarily T20 specialists into a Test match setting in England, asking, "What is this thinking and approach? Why has the coach been axed after five Test matches?" He concluded with a scathing remark, calling the move "the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee which includes so many experienced selectors." Afridi’s comments captured the frustration felt by many fans who see the rapid turnover as a sign of panic rather than strategic planning.
The revised squad list now features Babar Azam as captain, along with Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jr., Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (listed as a wicket‑keeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (also a wicket‑keeper), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah. This blend of established internationals and untested newcomers underscores the dramatic shift in direction taken by the board. Meanwhile, Cricinfo has reported that former captain Misbah‑ul‑Haq, a long‑standing member of the selection panel, has tendered his resignation in protest of the chaotic reshuffle. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to accept his offer, leaving the situation in a state of uncertainty.
Pakistan’s recent Test record paints a bleak picture: the side has lost 15 of its last 20 matches, and in the current series they have been dismissed for fewer than 200 runs in each of the four innings played so far – 171 and 135 in Leeds, followed by 110 and 194 at Lord's. These low totals highlight the batting frailties that have plagued the team throughout the tour. The third Test at Edgbaston will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage beginning at 10 am (11 am local time for the first ball) on Wednesday, 9 September.
Viewers without a Sky subscription can explore alternative streaming options, such as NOW, which offers contract‑free access to live cricket. Overall, the abrupt changes have sparked a heated debate within the cricketing community. Critics argue that dismissing a coach after just five Tests and introducing a raft of uncapped players is a short‑sighted attempt to appease a frustrated fan base. Supporters, however, claim that bold moves are necessary to rejuvenate a side that has struggled to post competitive totals against a strong English attack.
As the final Test looms, all eyes will be on whether the new lineup can overturn a series that appears all but lost, and whether the PCB’s decision‑making process will be vindicated or condemned by the results on the field. The outcome will likely shape the future direction of Pakistan cricket for months to come.