Pakistan has made a big decision by dropping star players Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah from the squad for the second and third Test matches against England. Babar, who is usually known as one of Pakistan’s top batters, has not been performing well recently. In the first Test, he managed to score only 30 and 5 runs, even though the pitch in Multan was considered perfect for batting.
After Pakistan’s loss in the first Test, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took swift action. They set up a new selection group, which includes well-known figures like Aleem Dar, Aaqib Javed, and Azhar Ali. This group met soon after the defeat and decided to drop Babar Azam, along with the fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, from the next two Tests. Before making the final decision, the selectors also held a meeting with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and five mentors who were recently hired by the PCB for a three-year term.
🚨 Pakistan name squad for second and third Tests against England 🚨#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/EHS9m84TXK
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 13, 2024
Even though Babar Azam was dropped, Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, defended him. Masood called Babar the team’s best batter and said it is important to give players like him more chances, especially in Test cricket, where form can change quickly. “Babar is just one good innings away from finding his form again. We need to be patient. We will look at the conditions for the next match and select the best team,” Masood said after the first Test.
The selection committee traveled to Multan on Saturday to meet with Shan Masood and head coach Jason Gillespie. They discussed the team’s plans and how they could improve their chances in the upcoming matches. The selectors also held discussions with PCB curator Tony Hemming about the pitch conditions in Multan. The pitch had been heavily criticized for being too easy for batting, making it difficult for the bowlers to perform.
Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi Drops Surprise Fans
This decision to drop Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem has surprised many cricket fans. Babar is a big name in international cricket, and Shaheen and Naseem are key players in Pakistan’s bowling department. The team will now rely on other players to step up and fill the gap left by these stars. Pakistan’s performance in the upcoming matches will be closely watched, as they aim to bounce back from the defeat and take control of the series.
These changes reflect Pakistan’s desire to quickly fix their issues and find the best combination of players to take on a strong England side. Fans are now eager to see how the team responds in the next two Tests and whether the decision to leave out these top players will pay off.
Also Read:Â Top Five Highest Totals in Test Cricket by Pakistan
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