Pakistan changes 'most shocking ever' - Afridi
Pakistan's decision to make dramatic changes to their squad during the series in England is the "most shocking decision ever", according to former captain Shahid Afridi.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has described the recent squad and coaching changes made by the cricket team during their England tour as the most shocking decision in selection committee history. The tourists have dropped seven players and brought in five uncapped cricketers while replacing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke. Afridi questioned the logic behind these moves, especially the inclusion of T20 players for a Test match.
The five players dropped from the squad - Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, and Khurram Shahzad - have all featured in the series so far. Replacements include five uncapped players: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr., Said Baig, and Mohammad Imran. The decision has sparked outrage, with former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja calling it a panic button moment for Pakistan cricket.
This unprecedented move comes amidst controversy surrounding a planned audience with King Charles at Clarence House, which the PCB threatened to cancel due to an interview with Imran Khan's sons, who were recently released from prison on corruption charges. Despite the controversy, the Test match proceeded as scheduled.
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