Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has publicly expressed his disbelief at the Pakistan Cricket Board's recent decision to completely revamp the national Test side ahead of the third and final Test against England. In his view, the sweeping changes – which include the dismissal of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and the removal of seven senior players from the squad – represent "the most shocking ever" move by a selection panel that boasts a wealth of experience. The controversy began after England handed Pakistan a crushing 194-run defeat at Lord's, leaving the visitors down 2-0 in the series with only one match remaining at Edgbaston, scheduled to start on September 9.
In response, the selectors announced a massive overhaul: wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, top‑order batsman Imam‑ul‑Haq and leg‑spinner Ali Usman were among those cut from the touring party. In total, seven players were dropped, and five newcomers – Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah – were drafted in despite having no prior Test experience. Afridi took to the social‑media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice his concerns. He questioned the logic behind the changes, asking, "Not sure what the logic or reasoning behind this decision!" He went on to point out the apparent mismatch between the skill sets of the incoming players and the demands of Test cricket in England, noting, "Even the replacements make no sense – T20 players have been included for a Test match in England?" He also criticized the timing of the coach's dismissal, asking why Sarfaraz Ahmed was sacked after just five Tests under his leadership.
The new coaching structure sees white‑ball specialist Mike Hesson stepping in as head coach for the final Test, while former fast bowler Ashley Noffke has been appointed assistant coach after the departure of Umar Gul. The selection panel, which includes several veteran administrators, has faced a wave of criticism for what many observers describe as a reactionary and poorly thought‑out approach. Afridi's comments resonated with fans and former players alike.
Former captain Misbah‑ul‑Haq reportedly offered to resign from the selection committee in protest, though the PCB has not yet accepted his resignation. The team’s recent record adds context to the turmoil: Pakistan have lost 15 of their last 20 Test matches, and in the current series they have been bowled out for fewer than 200 runs in each of their four innings – 171 and 135 in Leeds, followed by 110 and 194 at Lord's. The list of players named in the revised squad reads like a blend of youth and experience: 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 for a high‑stakes Test at Edgbaston has raised eyebrows, especially given the challenging conditions that English pitches traditionally present to sub‑continental batsmen.
Beyond the immediate cricketing implications, the episode highlights broader issues within Pakistan cricket administration. Critics argue that frequent changes in coaching staff and selection policies have created instability, undermining player confidence and continuity. The abrupt removal of Sarfaraz Ahmed – who had been tasked with rebuilding the side after a series of disappointing performances – suggests a lack of long‑term strategic planning.
Moreover, the decision to bring in players primarily known for their Twenty20 prowess raises questions about the selectors' assessment of the skill sets required for the longest format of the game. For fans eager to watch the final showdown, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage beginning at 10 am (11 am local time for the first ball) on Wednesday, September 9. Those without a Sky subscription can explore alternative streaming options, including NOW TV's contract‑free packages, to catch the action.
In summary, Afridi's outspoken criticism underscores a growing sense of frustration within Pakistan cricket circles. The combination of a demoralising series defeat, a radical reshuffle of the playing group, and the dismissal of a head coach after a short tenure has left many questioning the direction in which the board is steering the national side.
As the final Test approaches, all eyes will be on Edgbaston to see whether the new‑look Pakistan team can defy expectations, or if the shock decisions will prove detrimental to their performance on English soil.