Pakistan’s bold decision to drop Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Babar Azam for the next two Tests against England signals a significant shift. Discover the reasons behind this major overhaul.
Pakistan Drops Shaheen, Naseem, and Babar Azam for Upcoming Tests Against England
In a surprising and bold move, Pakistan’s cricket selectors have decided to omit three of the country’s most prominent players—Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah—for the upcoming second and third Tests against England. The selection committee, recently revamped, cited concerns about the players’ form and fitness as the main reasons behind the exclusions. The move follows Pakistan’s heavy defeat in the first Test, where the team was outplayed by England, prompting significant changes to the squad.
Major Overhaul in Pakistan’s Test Squad
The decision to leave out these star players has raised many eyebrows within the cricketing community. It is an extraordinary step, especially considering the stature of Babar Azam, who is regarded as one of the world’s premier batsmen. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, two of Pakistan’s most talented fast bowlers, have also been sidelined as part of the changes. This trio’s absence leaves a noticeable gap in the team’s lineup, sparking debates on whether such a drastic overhaul was necessary.
Struggles with Form and Fitness
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) addressed the exclusions by highlighting the need to “take into account the current form and fitness of key players.” The first Test saw Pakistan’s bowling lineup struggling to make an impact, with captain Shan Masood openly criticizing the performance. Despite calls for continuity from Masood and head coach Jason Gillespie, the newly formed selection committee chose a different path, opting for significant changes.
Shaheen Afridi has been battling a dip in form since his return from an injury in 2023. In the first Test, he managed just 1 wicket for 120 runs in 26 overs, with his pace and new-ball effectiveness considerably diminished. Concerns about his fitness have been persistent, as this marks the third consecutive series in which he has been unable to complete all matches.
Similarly, Naseem Shah has faced challenges in returning to his peak form since recovering from shoulder surgery in early 2024. His pace has slightly dropped, and despite showing flashes of brilliance, he struggled to threaten England’s batting lineup, finishing with figures of 2 for 157 in 31 overs.
Babar Azam’s recent form has been inconsistent, with no half-centuries in his last nine Tests. His exclusion comes as a wake-up call, signaling that even the most celebrated players are not immune to being dropped.
New Faces in the Squad
To fill the void left by the exclusion of these high-profile players, Pakistan has called up several fresh faces, including uncapped players Kamran Ghulam, Haseebullah, and spinner Mehran Mumtaz. Seasoned spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali have also been recalled to provide additional spin-bowling options. With Abrar Ahmed currently unavailable due to illness, the inclusion of extra spinners indicates Pakistan’s shift towards a spin-heavy strategy for the second Test in Multan.
Veteran wicket-keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed has been replaced by Haseebullah, signaling a broader shift within the squad. The return of Sajid and Noman reflects Pakistan’s struggle to develop new spin talent through domestic competitions like the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
Changing the Strategy for the Multan and Rawalpindi Tests
The upcoming Tests in Multan and Rawalpindi will present different challenges for Pakistan. The Multan Test, starting on 15 October, will be played on the same pitch used in the first Test, but this time, the team is expected to opt for an extra spinner in the XI. The third Test, set to begin on 24 October in Rawalpindi, will follow shortly after, with Pakistan’s squad aiming to bounce back from the demoralizing innings defeat in the series opener.
A Strategic Break for the Star Players
The PCB’s decision to give Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem a break could be seen as an opportunity for them to regain their fitness, form, and mental sharpness. Aaqib Javed, a member of the newly formed selection committee, expressed confidence in the trio’s ability to return stronger after this period of rest. “We are confident that this break from international cricket will help these players regain their fitness, confidence, and composure, ensuring they return in top shape for future challenges,” Javed said. He emphasized the need for the players to be supported during this period to enable a successful comeback.
Pakistan Squad for the Second and Third Tests
Here is the squad list for Pakistan for the upcoming Tests:
- Captain: Shan Masood
- Vice-Captain: Saud Shakeel
- Players: Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wicket-keeper), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Zahid Mehmood
The inclusion of new faces and a revamped bowling lineup presents an opportunity for the team to regroup and mount a comeback against England.
The decision to drop Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah for the upcoming Tests is a bold statement from the Pakistan selectors. It underscores the importance of form and fitness, even for the most prominent players. The fresh faces in the squad, along with a spin-heavy strategy, will be under the spotlight as Pakistan aims to turn the tide in the series. Stay updated with all the latest news and match analysis at findcric.com.