Shahid Afridi questions Pakistan squad shake-up ahead of 3rd England Test

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has questioned the national selection committee’s decision to make wholesale changes to the Test squad ahead of the third Test against England.

“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?" he wrote on X.

"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.”

Tweet by Shahid Afridi

Pakistan released seven players from the squad — Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad after their series defeat by England.

Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal and Arafat Minhas are among the players brought in as replacements, with all three having previous international experience for Pakistan. Left-arm pacer Mohammed Imran Jr, wicketkeeper Saad Baig and all-rounders Mohammad Imran and Razaullah have also received call-ups.

The coaching staff has also been reshuffled. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant coach Umar Gul have been released, with white-ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australia fast bowler Ashley Noffke set to take over.

Pakistan will face England in the third and final Test in Birmingham on September 9.