Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has publicly described the recent wholesale changes to the national team and the dismissal of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed as "the most shocking decision ever" by the selection panel. The board’s move comes ahead of the third and final Test against England, scheduled to begin at Edgbaston on September 9, and follows a crushing 194‑run loss at Lord's that left the visitors trailing 2‑0 in the series.
In a sweeping revamp, selectors have cut seven members of the current squad. Among those dropped are wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, opening batsman Imam‑ul‑Haq and left‑arm spinner Ali Usman – all of whom featured in the recent defeat. The vacancies have been filled largely by uncapped players: Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr., Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah have all been named in the Test side for the first time. This influx of newcomers, many of whom have limited experience in the longer format, has raised eyebrows across the cricketing community.
The coaching staff has also undergone a significant reshuffle. White‑ball specialist Mike Hesson, who previously oversaw Pakistan’s limited‑overs teams, has been appointed head coach in place of Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Additionally, former fast‑bowler Ashley Noffke has been promoted to assistant coach after the departure of Umar Gul. The rapid turnover of both players and staff has sparked a flurry of speculation about the strategic direction the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) intends to pursue. 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 suitability of the new selections, pointing out that several of the incoming players are primarily T20 specialists, a format that demands a very different skill set from the demands of Test cricket played in English conditions.
"What is this thinking and approach? Why has the coach been axed after only five Test matches?" he asked, underscoring his frustration with what he perceives as a lack of coherent planning. The former all‑rounder’s comments resonated with many fans who share concerns about the timing of the changes.
Pakistan’s recent Test record has been dismal; the side has lost 15 of its last 20 matches, and in this particular series they have been bowled out for under 200 runs in every innings. The team posted scores of 171 and 135 in Leeds before being dismissed for 110 and 194 at Lord's, highlighting a persistent struggle against quality pace and swing. Adding to the drama, Cricinfo reported that veteran selector Misbah‑ul‑Haq has tendered his resignation from the selection committee, though the PCB has not yet accepted it. Misbah, a former captain revered for his calm demeanor, reportedly felt that the recent upheaval conflicted with his vision for rebuilding a stable side.
The revised squad list now includes captain Babar Azam, along with a mix of experienced and fresh faces: Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jr., Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (who will keep wickets), Razaullah, Saad Baig (also a wicket‑keeper), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah. The presence of multiple wicket‑keeping options and a heavy reliance on untested talent underscores the board’s willingness to gamble in the hope of sparking a turnaround.
From a tactical standpoint, the decision to include players who have excelled in the shortest format could be interpreted as an attempt to inject aggression and adaptability into the Test lineup. However, critics argue that success in T20 cricket does not automatically translate to the patience and technique required for five‑day matches, especially on English pitches that favour seam movement and swing. The upcoming match at Edgbaston will serve as a litmus test for the new configuration.
If the newcomers can perform under pressure, they might justify the bold overhaul; if not, the PCB could face further criticism for destabilising a team already struggling for form. The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with the first ball scheduled for 11:00 am BST on Wednesday, September 9. For viewers without a Sky subscription, streaming options such as NOW TV are available, offering contract‑free access to the live coverage.
In summary, Afridi’s outspoken reaction highlights a broader debate within Pakistani cricket about the balance between experience and renewal, the role of coaching stability, and the strategic priorities when competing abroad. As the team prepares to take the field at Edgbaston, all eyes will be on whether the selection committee’s controversial choices can deliver a performance that reverses the series’ trajectory or whether they will further deepen the nation’s cricketing woes.