Former captain Shahid Afridi has questioned the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to make changes to the Test squad and coaching staff ahead of the third and final Test against England.
Afridi’s remarks came after the PCB released seven players and made changes to the coaching setup following Pakistan’s 2-0 series defeat against England.
Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad have been released ahead of the final Test, while Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Mohammad Imran Jr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razaullah have been brought into the squad.
Taking to social media platform X, Afridi questioned the reasoning behind the changes, particularly the inclusion of players primarily associated with T20 cricket for a Test match in England.
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“Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision! Even the replacements make no sense – T20 players have been included for a Test match in England? What is this thinking and approach?” Afridi wrote.
The former all-rounder also criticised the PCB’s decision to part ways with red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed after just five Tests in charge.
“Why has the coach been axed after 5 Test matches? This is the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee which includes so many experienced selectors,” he added.
Sarfaraz was appointed Pakistan’s red-ball head coach on April 18 and began his tenure with a two-match Test tour of Bangladesh, where Pakistan suffered a 2-0 series whitewash.
Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision! Even the replacements make no sense – T20 players have been included for a Test match in England? What is this thinking and approach? Why has the coach been axed after 5 Test matches? This is the most shocking decision…
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) August 31, 2026
Pakistan subsequently drew their two-Test series against the West Indies 1-1 before losing the first two Tests of their ongoing England tour.
England won the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before securing a 194-run victory at Lord’s to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Following the disappointing results, the PCB also released bowling coach Umar Gul, with Mike Hesson expected to take charge of the Test side in addition to his white-ball responsibilities.
Ashley Noffke is set to replace Gul as bowling coach.
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