In a shocking turn of events for Pakistan cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made the controversial decision to drop former captain Babar Azam, along with pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed, from the squad for the remaining two Tests against England. This decision follows a heavy defeat in the first Test match held in Multan, where Pakistan lost by an innings and 47 runs.
Michael Vaughan’s Reaction
Former England captain Michael Vaughan took to social media to express his frustration over the PCB’s decision. He labeled the move as “absolutely stupid,” highlighting that it is perplexing to drop the best player in the team when they are already struggling. Vaughan tweeted, “So Pakistan haven’t won in a while… Go 1 nil down in the series and decide to drop the best player in @babarazam258. I guess Pakistan cricket is full of surprises, but this tops the lot… absolutely stupid decision… unless he has asked for a break!!!”
Babar Azam’s Recent Performance
In the first Test against England, Babar Azam had a disappointing outing, scoring just 30 and 5 runs in his two innings. This marks a continuing struggle for the talented batsman, whose last score over 50 runs in Test cricket dates back 18 innings ago, during a match against New Zealand in December 2022. Earlier this month, he also stepped down as the white-ball captain following criticism over his form.
The PCB’s Selection Panel’s Choices
After the dismal performance in Multan, the PCB’s new selection panel opted for a shake-up. The decision was made to replace the dropped players with uncapped talents: Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam, along with fast bowler Mohammad Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan. The new squad also sees the inclusion of Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood for the upcoming Tests at Multan and Rawalpindi.
Aaqib Javed’s Statement
Aaqib Javed, a member of the PCB’s selection panel, explained the rationale behind this bold move. “Selecting the squad for the upcoming Tests against England has been a challenging task,” Javed stated. “We’ve had to carefully consider current player form and the urgency to bounce back in the series. These factors, combined with Pakistan’s demanding international schedule for 2024-25, influenced our decision.”
He emphasized the need for players like Babar, Shaheen, Naseem, and Sarfaraz to take a break from international cricket to regain their fitness and confidence. Javed believes that this hiatus will allow them to return rejuvenated for future challenges.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Test Matches
The second Test match between Pakistan and England is scheduled to take place at the Multan Cricket Stadium from October 15-19. The team will look to bounce back and demonstrate that the decision to include uncapped players can bear fruit against a formidable English side.
Conclusion
The PCB’s decision to drop Babar Azam and other key players has ignited discussions within the cricket community. While some critics, like Michael Vaughan, view it as a misguided move, the PCB is banking on fresh talent to revitalize the team. As the cricketing world watches closely, the upcoming Tests will be crucial in determining the future direction of Pakistan cricket. Will the new selection strategy pay off, or will it further complicate Pakistan’s challenges on the international stage? Only time will tell.
