Afridi slams Pakistan's 'shocking' squad overhaul
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has called the national team's decision to drop seven players and replace the head coach during the Test series in England the 'most shocking decision ever' by a selection committee. The tourists have called up five uncapped players for the third Test at Edgbaston. Ex-PCB chairman Ramiz Raja also criticised the move, saying Pakistan cricket has 'hit a panic button'.
The overhaul follows consecutive heavy defeats in the opening two Tests, leaving Pakistan's campaign in disarray before the Edgbaston finale. Among those dropped were regulars like Muhammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, while the incoming group includes several players with no Test experience at all, a mix that has drawn sharp criticism for its apparent lack of strategic coherence.
The upheaval comes amid broader turbulence surrounding the tour. The PCB briefly threatened to abandon the second Test over a Sky Sports interview featuring Imran Khan's sons, and the squad is still scheduled to meet King Charles at Clarence House this week, an engagement arranged before the series began.
This decision could deepen instability within Pakistan cricket, affecting player morale and public trust in the selection process. Fans and former players may view the rapid turnover as reactive rather than strategic, potentially discouraging emerging talent who see selection as unpredictable. The controversy could also strain relationships with broadcasters and host nations, though the team's continued participation suggests the immediate crisis has passed.