![Shahid Afridi expressed anger on PCB [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1788265961579_ShahidAfridiMohsinNaqvi(1).jpg?type=hq)
Shahid Afridi expressed anger on PCB [Source: AFP]
Days ahead of the final Test of the series between Pakistan and England, the visitors underwent a massive overhaul following the embarrassing defeat.
The reshuffle includes a change in the coaching setup, as well as a higher-than-normal number of changes to the playing roster. All this in the middle of a high-profile tour raised eyebrows, including that of the former captain and Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi, who ripped through the Pakistan system.
Pakistan reshuffles squad mid-series
Known for their drastic decision-making, PCB caught attention after they sent home seven players from their squad after the loss at Lord’s. This includes major names in Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha, among others.
To replace these names for the final Test for the Edgbaston Test, they have called up as many as five uncapped players with more than a week left for the final match.
Additionally, PCB have also replaced the coaches, including former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, and asked the white-ball coach, Mike Hesson, to take charge at Edgbaston.
Also Read: Mickey Arthur Ridicules PCB After 7 Players, 2 Coaches Axed Midway In England
Shahid Afridi blasts PCB ahead of 3rd Test vs England
One of the major reasons for Shahid Afridi’s outrage was the expulsion of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, who had only taken charge of the team in April 2026. So far, he had been with the team for two Tests each against Bangladesh, West Indies and England.
While the results went against them, Sarfaraz had shown glimpses of his coaching acumen during his time with the age-group sides and making so many changes in the middle of a series is not ideal.
Additionally, Afridi feels the selections were made based on players’ white-ball performances and not how they have done at the First Class level.
“Most shocking decision ever by a selection committee. Not sure what the logic or reasoning behind this decision. The replacement makes no sense- T20 players in for a Test match in England? What is this thinking and approach?” he asked on X.
“Why has the coach been axed after five Test matches? This is the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee which includes so many experienced selectors,” he concluded.
Notably, after making the wholesale changes in the setup, Pakistan selector and legend Misbah-ul-Haq also resigned from his post within a day, showing all is not well behind the scenes.
Pakistan could hand several debut caps in Edgbaston
Following a plethora of changes in the playing squad, Pakistan could give several uncapped players a go at Test cricket amidst the team being under the pump.
The replacement players like Saim Ayub and Mohammad Imran haven’t necessarily done something extraordinary in the format, but the current conditions demanded a few changes.
Wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori could be seen behind the stumps, replacing Mohammad Rizwan, with 26 FC matches under his belt. He averages 41.26 in red-ball cricket and could be a decent option to have in the team. Another possible debutant could be Arafat Minhas, who kick-started his ODI career impressively earlier this year.
Whether these players do well and salvage something out of the series to prove a point to Shahid Afridi would be interesting to watch.
Also Read: Fans Mock Mohsin Naqvi As PCB Invites Fielding Coach Through Social Media
