Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has openly criticized the recent decision by the national selectors to overhaul the Test squad and dismiss head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed ahead of the third and decisive Test against England. Afridi described the move as "the most shocking ever" in the history of Pakistani cricket selections. The board's latest reshuffle saw seven members of the playing XI removed from the roster, including key figures such as wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, top‑order batsman Imam‑ul‑Haq and left‑arm spinner Ali Usman. These changes come on the back of a heavy 194‑run loss at Lord's, which left Pakistan trailing 2‑0 in the series with only one match remaining, scheduled to be played at Edgbaston from 9 September.
In an attempt to fill the void, the selectors introduced five newcomers who have never before featured in Test cricket: Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah. The remaining two additions are also relatively inexperienced at the highest level, raising questions about the overall balance and experience of the side.
With Sarfaraz Ahmed removed from his coaching duties, white‑ball specialist Mike Hesson has been appointed as the interim head coach for the final Test. Additionally, former fast bowler Ashley Noffke has taken on the role of assistant coach after the departure of Umar Gul, who was also relieved of his responsibilities. Afridi took to the social media platform X to voice his bewilderment, writing: "Not sure what the logic or reasoning behind this decision!" He went on to highlight the apparent mismatch between the skill sets of the new players and the demands of a Test match in England, asking, "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 just five Test matches?" He concluded with a strong statement, labeling the move as "the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee which includes so many experienced selectors." The sentiment resonated across the cricketing community, sparking a flurry of commentary about the direction of Pakistan cricket. 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 veterans and raw talent underscores the challenge the team faces in fielding a competitive side against a strong England side on their home turf.
Cricinfo has reported that veteran former captain Misbah‑ul‑Haq has tendered his resignation from the selection panel, though the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet accepted his offer. Misbah's potential departure adds another layer of uncertainty to the already turbulent selection process. Pakistan's recent Test record paints a bleak picture: the team has lost 15 of its last 20 Test matches. In this particular series, they have been bowled out for under 200 runs in every innings – 171 and 135 in Leeds, followed by 110 and 194 at Lord's.
Such low totals highlight a broader issue with the batting lineup's ability to cope with the challenging English conditions, especially the swing and seam movement that typically dominate early summer matches. The upcoming match at Edgbaston promises to be a high‑stakes encounter. Fans can tune in to watch the live broadcast on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with the first ball scheduled for 11:00 am BST on Wednesday, 9 September.
For those without a Sky subscription, alternative streaming options are available through NOW TV, which offers contract‑free access to the match. Beyond the immediate drama of the selection shake‑up, the situation raises several deeper questions about the strategic direction of Pakistani cricket.
Why opt for a wholesale replacement of seasoned Test players with individuals who have primarily featured in the shorter formats? What does this say about the PCB's confidence in its current talent pipeline?
And how will the new coaching staff, led by Hesson, adapt their game plans to extract performance from a largely inexperienced group? Analysts suggest that the decision may be driven by a desire to inject fresh energy and perhaps to send a clear message to the existing squad that performance standards must improve. However, critics argue that such abrupt changes can destabilise team cohesion, especially so close to a decisive match. The balance between long‑term development and short‑term results is a delicate one, and Pakistan's recent track record indicates that the balance may currently be tipped unfavourably.
In the broader context of international cricket, Pakistan's approach contrasts sharply with other nations that tend to retain a core group of Test‑proven players while gradually integrating newcomers. The English side, for instance, has maintained a relatively stable lineup throughout the series, allowing them to build momentum and adapt strategies effectively.
As the final Test looms, all eyes will be on how the new Pakistani XI performs under the guidance of Hesson and whether the controversial selections will pay off. Will the young players rise to the occasion and deliver the resilience needed to challenge England on their home soil? Or will the lack of experience prove costly, confirming Afridi's concerns about the shockingly radical overhaul?
Regardless of the outcome, this episode will likely be remembered as a pivotal moment in Pakistan cricket, prompting introspection about selection policies, coaching stability, and the development pathways for future Test stars. The cricketing world will be watching closely, eager to see whether the bold gamble yields a resurgence or further setbacks for the Pakistani side.