Pakistan Cricket Board has rung in the changes for the 2nd Test vs England in Multan. Star batter Babar Azam has been dropped owing to poor form which saw him score a mere 35 runs during the 1st Test match. Pakistan’s white-ball batter Fakhar Zaman has come out and slammed PCB for this move.
The left-handed batter took to X and wrote “It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn’t bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively. If we are considering sidelining our premier batsman, arguably the best Pakistan has ever produced, it could send a deeply negative message across the team. There is still time to avoid pressing the panic button; we should focus on safeguarding our key players rather than undermining them”
Apart from Babar Azam, even Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Sarfaraz Ahmed have been dropped. Saud Shakeel is the vice-captain of the side. Haseebullah gets his first call-up to the side as Sajid Khan makes a comeback to the team. Mohammad Rizwan continues to be part of the squad despite failing during the opening Test match.
Babar Azam dropped for 2nd Test in Multan
Pakistan have also recalled Mohammad Ali into the team after the pacer was dropped post the Bangladesh series. It is a huge move by PCB after their team became the first side in 147 years to lose by an Innings despite scoring over 550 in the 1st innings.
PCB in a statement said "Taking into consideration the current form and fitness of key players and looking ahead to Pakistan’s future assignments in the 2024-25 international cricket season, the selectors have decided to give rest to Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Abrar Ahmed was unavailable for selection,"
The statement also read “The four players have been replaced by Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Kamran Ghulam, fast bowler Mohammad Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan. Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were initially part of the original first Test squad but were subsequently released, have also been included in the 16-player squad,"
Pakistan selector Aqib Javed while addressing the media said “Selecting the squad for the upcoming Tests against England has been a challenging task for the selectors. We’ve had to carefully consider current player form, the urgency to bounce back in the series and Pakistan’s demanding 2024-25 international schedule. With these factors in mind and in the best interest of Pakistan cricket as well as the players, we’ve made the decision to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi”
The former Pakistani pacer also added “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. They remain some of our finest talents with much more to contribute to Pakistan cricket. We are fully committed to supporting them during this period so they can come back even stronger”
“At the same time, we are offering opportunities to uncapped players like Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam, along with Mohammad Ali, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Zahid Mehmood. They now have the chance to showcase their skills against a formidable England side. We believe they will rise to the occasion and make the most of this opportunity in the remaining two Tests," further added Aqib Javed.
Pakistan squad for final two Tests vs England:
Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (VC), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.
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