Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has publicly denounced the recent decision by the national selectors to completely revamp the Test side 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 administration. The selection panel announced a radical purge, cutting seven members of the squad in one fell swoop. Among those dropped were established players such as wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, top‑order batsman Imam-ul‑Haq and left‑arm spinner Ali Usman.
The changes come after England handed Pakistan a crushing 194‑run loss at Lord's, leaving the visitors trailing 2‑0 in the series with only the final match at Edgbaston remaining, scheduled to begin on 9 September. In a surprising twist, the board has named five uncapped cricketers to the Test roster: Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah. All five have yet to make their debut in the longest format, and their inclusion raises questions about the strategic direction the selectors are pursuing.
With Sarfaraz Ahmed removed from his coaching duties, white‑ball specialist Mike Hesson has been appointed as interim head coach for the Edgbaston encounter. Additionally, former fast‑bowler Ashley Noffke has taken on the role of assistant coach after the departure of Umar Gul from the coaching staff. 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 continued, "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 five Test matches?" Afridi concluded his post by stating, "This is the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee which includes so many experienced selectors." The revised squad list now reads: 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. The inclusion of several players whose primary experience lies in limited‑overs cricket, particularly T20, has sparked a debate among analysts about whether they possess the temperament and technique required for the rigors of Test cricket in English conditions.
Cricinfo reported that former captain Misbah‑ul‑Haq has tendered his resignation from the selection panel, citing the upheaval as a factor, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet accepted his offer. Misbah, who has been a stabilising presence on the committee for years, reportedly feels that the current direction undermines the long‑term development of the team.
Statistically, Pakistan's recent Test performance has been dismal. The side has lost 15 of its last 20 Test matches, and in the ongoing series against England they have been bowled out for under 200 runs in each of the four innings played so far. The innings scores were 171 and 135 in Leeds, followed by 110 and 194 at Lord's, underscoring a persistent batting collapse against a disciplined English attack.
Afridi's criticism reflects a broader frustration within the Pakistani cricket community. Fans and former players alike have expressed concern that the rapid turnover of personnel, combined with the appointment of coaches lacking extensive Test experience, may further destabilise a team already struggling to find consistency. The upcoming third Test at Edgbaston will be a crucial litmus test for the newly assembled squad and the interim coaching staff. If the uncapped players can rise to the occasion, they could provide a much‑needed infusion of energy and perhaps justify the selectors' gamble.
Conversely, a continued string of low scores could cement the perception that the overhaul was reactionary rather than strategic. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with kickoff scheduled for 10 a.m. (11 a.m. local time for the first ball) on Wednesday, 9 September.
Those without a Sky subscription can explore the latest Sky Sports deals or consider streaming options such as NOW, which offers contract‑free access to live cricket. In summary, the Pakistani cricket establishment has embarked on an unprecedented reshuffle ahead of a pivotal Test, prompting strong reactions from former captain Shahid Afridi and raising questions about the logic behind selecting T20 specialists for the longest format. The outcome of the Edgbaston Test will likely determine whether this bold experiment will be hailed as a necessary reset or condemned as a misstep that further hampers Pakistan's quest for stability in Test cricket.