Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has publicly denounced the recent decision by the national selectors to overhaul the Test squad and dismiss head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed ahead of the third and final Test against England, calling it "the most shocking ever". The board’s sweeping changes saw seven members of the side dropped, among them wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq and left‑arm spinner Ali Usman.
These cuts came after England’s 194‑run demolition of Pakistan at Lord's, which left the visitors trailing 2‑0 in the series with only the Edgbaston Test remaining, scheduled to begin on 9 September. In a surprising twist, five of the new faces have never played Test cricket before. The newcomers – Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah – are all uncapped at the longest format, highlighting the magnitude of the reshuffle.
Mike Hesson, who previously served as Pakistan’s white‑ball coach, has been appointed to take over the Test coaching responsibilities after Sarfaraz’s dismissal. Additionally, former fast bowler Ashley Noffke has been named assistant coach, stepping into the role vacated by Umar Gul, who was also relieved of his duties. Afridi took to the social‑media platform X to vent his frustration.
He wrote: "I have no idea what logic or reasoning lies behind this decision!" He continued, "Even the replacements make no sense – T20 specialists have been drafted for a Test match in England? What kind of thinking is this? Why sack a coach after just five Tests?" Afridi added that the move was "the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee that includes so many experienced selectors." The revised squad list now includes captain Babar Azam, along with Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jr, wicket‑keeper Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Razaullah, Saad Baig (also a keeper), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.
According to reports from Cricinfo, former captain Misbah‑ul‑Haq has tendered his resignation from the selection panel, though the Pakistan Cricket Board has not yet accepted it. Misbah’s departure would further destabilise an already turbulent selection environment.
Pakistan’s recent Test record underscores the urgency of the situation. The side has now lost 15 of its last 20 Test matches, and in this particular series they have been bowled out for under 200 runs in every innings so far – 171 and 135 in Leeds, followed by 110 and 194 at Lord's. Such low totals have left fans and pundits questioning the team’s technique, temperament and overall strategy in the longest format. The upcoming third Test at Edgbaston will be a crucial showdown.
Sky Sports has confirmed live coverage of the match, with the first ball scheduled for 11 a.m. local time on Wednesday, 9 September. For viewers without a Sky subscription, the broadcaster is promoting its NOW streaming service as a contract‑free alternative, alongside various promotional deals.
Beyond the immediate drama, the situation raises broader questions about Pakistan’s approach to Test cricket. The decision to replace seasoned players with uncapped talent, many of whom have primarily featured in limited‑overs cricket, suggests a willingness to gamble on raw potential rather than experience. Critics argue that this could backfire in English conditions, where swing, seam and patience are paramount.
Supporters of the overhaul point out that Pakistan’s batting line‑up has struggled to build partnerships, often collapsing after modest starts. The inclusion of younger players may inject fresh energy and a hunger to prove themselves, potentially revitalising the side’s lower order. However, the lack of proven Test credentials among the newcomers means they will face a steep learning curve against a disciplined English attack.
The dismissal of Sarfaraz Ahmed also adds a layer of complexity. Sarfaraz, who previously guided Pakistan to a historic Test win in the United Arab Emirates, had only overseen five Tests before being removed. Some analysts contend that the board’s impatience reflects a broader trend of short‑term thinking, where coaches are judged on immediate results rather than long‑term development.
In the weeks ahead, the Pakistan Cricket Board will need to manage not only the on‑field challenges but also the morale of the squad. Players who were cut may feel disenfranchised, while those brought in will need to adapt quickly to the demands of Test cricket in foreign conditions.
The coaching staff, led by Hesson, will have to devise a clear game plan that balances aggression with resilience. Fans worldwide will be watching closely, hoping that the bold, albeit controversial, changes will spark a turnaround. Whether the new lineup can withstand England’s potent bowling attack and whether the coaching shuffle will bring strategic clarity remain open questions. As the Edgbaston Test approaches, the cricketing community anticipates a dramatic climax to a series that has already been marked by upheaval, disappointment, and intense scrutiny of Pakistan’s cricketing hierarchy.