Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has publicly expressed his disbelief at the Pakistan Cricket Board's recent decision to overhaul the national side ahead of the third and final Test against England. In a series of posts on the social media platform X, Afridi described the sweeping changes – which include the dismissal of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and the removal of seven senior players – as "the most shocking decision ever" made by a selection panel that boasts a wealth of experience. The controversial reshuffle follows a crushing 194‑run loss at Lord's, which left Pakistan trailing 2‑0 in the series with only the Edgbaston Test remaining, scheduled to begin on September 9.
In response to that defeat, the selectors have cut seven members of the squad, among them wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, opening batsman Imam‑ul‑Haq and left‑arm spinner Ali Usman. Their places have been filled largely by newcomers, five of whom have never before played Test cricket: Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah. In addition to the player turnover, the coaching staff has also been restructured. White‑ball coach Mike Hesson has been promoted to take charge of the Test side after Sarfaraz Ahmed's dismissal, while former fast bowler Umar Gul has been replaced by Ashley Noffke as assistant coach.
The rapid succession of changes has raised eyebrows across the cricketing community, prompting questions about the strategic rationale behind appointing limited‑overs specialists to a Test match in English conditions. Afridi's social media commentary captured the confusion felt by many fans and former players.
He wrote, "Not sure what the logic or reasoning behind this decision!" He went on to question the suitability of the replacements, noting, "Even the replacements make no sense – T20 players have been included for a Test match in England?" He further probed the timing of the coach's removal, asking, "Why has the coach been axed after five Test matches?" Afridi concluded his remarks with a pointed observation: "This is the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee which includes so many experienced selectors." The newly announced squad 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. The inclusion of several uncapped players suggests a desperate attempt to inject fresh energy, yet critics argue that such a drastic move may undermine team cohesion at a crucial juncture.
Adding to the turmoil, Cricinfo reported that former captain Misbah‑ul‑Haq has tendered his resignation from the selection committee, although the PCB has not yet accepted it. Misbah's potential departure underscores the growing discontent among senior cricketing figures regarding the board's recent governance choices. Pakistan's recent Test record paints a bleak picture.
Over the past twenty matches, the side has suffered defeat in fifteen, and in this series they have been bowled out for under 200 runs in each of the four innings played so far: 171 and 135 in Leeds, followed by 110 and 194 at Lord's. Such low totals highlight a broader batting crisis that the selectors appear to be addressing through a wholesale personnel change rather than through technical coaching adjustments.
The upcoming Edgbaston Test will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage commencing at 10 a.m. (11 a.m.
for the first ball) on Wednesday, September 9. For viewers without a Sky subscription, alternative streaming options are available through NOW, which offers contract‑free access to live cricket. While the board hopes that the new lineup and coaching staff can salvage a respectable performance in the final match, many observers remain skeptical. The rapid turnover of both players and staff raises concerns about stability and strategic continuity.
Moreover, the decision to field several T20 specialists in a traditional five‑day Test suggests a possible misalignment between the skill sets required for success in English conditions and the attributes of the newly selected personnel. In summary, Afridi's outspoken criticism reflects a broader unease within Pakistani cricket circles. The combination of a heavy defeat, a series of abrupt dismissals, and the inclusion of largely inexperienced players has created a perfect storm of uncertainty. Whether the revamped squad can rise to the occasion at Edgbaston, or whether the decision will be remembered as a misguided gamble, remains to be seen.
The cricketing world will be watching closely as Pakistan attempts to rewrite the narrative of a series that has thus far been dominated by England's superior play and Pakistan's batting frailties.