Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has publicly expressed his disbelief at the Pakistan Cricket Board's recent decision to overhaul the national Test squad ahead of the third and final Test against England. In his view, the magnitude of the changes – which include the dismissal of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and the removal of seven senior players – represents "the most shocking ever" move by any selection panel. Afridi took to the social media platform X to vent his frustration, questioning the logic behind replacing experienced Test specialists with players who have little or no experience in the longest format of the game. The controversial reshuffle came after England handed Pakistan a crushing 194‑run defeat at Lord's, leaving the visitors down 2‑0 in the series with only one match remaining at Edgbaston, scheduled to begin on September 9.
In response, the selectors opted to axe a total of seven members of the playing group. Among those dropped were wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, opening batsman Imam‑ul‑Haq and left‑arm spinner Ali Usman – all of whom have been regular fixtures in the side over the past few years. Their exclusion has sparked a heated debate among fans and pundits alike, many of whom wonder whether the board is acting out of desperation or a genuine desire to inject fresh talent. The incoming cohort is dominated by newcomers: Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah are all uncapped at Test level.
This means that five of the ten players named in the revised squad have never before taken the red ball in an official international match. The decision to include several T20 specialists for a Test encounter in England has further fueled Afridi's criticism. He asked, "Even the replacements make no sense – T20 players have been included for a Test match in England?
What is this thinking and approach?" In addition to the player turnover, the coaching staff also saw significant changes. White‑ball coach Mike Hesson has been promoted to the role of head coach, taking over from Sarfaraz Ahmed, whose tenure ended after just five Tests.
Former fast‑bowler Umar Gul was also relieved of his duties, with former Australian pacer Ashley Noffke stepping in as assistant coach. These adjustments suggest a broader strategic shift within the Pakistani camp, one that Afridi believes is being executed without a clear, coherent plan. Afridi's comments also touched on the broader context of Pakistan's recent Test performances. The team has struggled profoundly in the series, being bowled out for less than 200 runs in each of the four innings they have played so far.
They were dismissed for 171 and 135 in Leeds, followed by 110 and 194 at Lord's – figures that underscore a persistent batting collapse against a disciplined English attack. Over the past two years, Pakistan's Test record has been worrying: they have lost 15 of their last 20 matches, a statistic that has intensified calls for reform but also raised questions about the efficacy of such drastic measures. Adding another layer to the saga, former captain Misbah‑ul‑Haq reportedly offered his resignation from the selection committee in protest of the latest decisions.
The Pakistan Cricket Board, however, has not yet accepted his resignation, leaving the future composition of the committee uncertain. Misbah's potential departure could further destabilize an already turbulent selection environment, where experienced voices seem to be at odds with the board's current direction.
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. This blend of seasoned campaigners like Babar Azam and Shan Masood with a host of raw talent reflects a gamble that the board hopes will revitalize the side for the final Test.
From a broader perspective, the decision to overhaul the squad so close to a crucial match raises strategic questions about player development and team cohesion. Test cricket, especially in English conditions, demands not only technical skill but also mental resilience and familiarity among teammates.
Introducing five uncapped players and several T20 specialists could disrupt the delicate balance required to compete effectively at Lord's or Edgbaston. Moreover, the abrupt removal of Sarfaraz Ahmed after a relatively short tenure may undermine the authority of the coaching staff, making it harder for the new head coach, Mike Hesson, to implement his game plans. Fans looking to watch the concluding Test can tune in via Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with live coverage slated to begin at 10 a.m.
on Wednesday, September 9 (11 a.m. for the first ball). For those without a Sky subscription, alternative streaming options such as NOW TV are available, offering contract‑free access to the match. The cricketing world will be watching closely to see whether the bold, and arguably reckless, changes will pay off or further expose the fragilities within Pakistan's Test setup.
In summary, Afridi's outburst captures the frustration felt by many within the Pakistani cricket community. The selection committee's sweeping alterations – from axing a head coach to introducing a wave of inexperienced players – have been labeled by the former star as the most astonishing decision in recent memory. Whether this radical approach will spark a revival or deepen the team's woes remains to be seen, but the upcoming Test at Edgbaston will undoubtedly serve as a litmus test for the new strategy.