Following an embarrassing innings defeat in the first Test against England, Pakistan has dropped star players Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah from the squad for the remainder of the series. This significant decision comes after a shake-up in the team’s selection committee, which was revamped shortly after the loss in Multan.
The exclusion of three of Pakistan’s most prominent cricketers marks a bold move by the new management as they seek to regain momentum in the series.
Both teams have announced their playing elevens for the second Test. England captain Ben Stokes, who missed the first match due to injury, returns to lead his side. When asked about Pakistan’s decision to omit Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem, Stokes responded candidly: “That’s Pakistan cricket’s issue, nothing to do with me.”
The removal of Babar Azam, Pakistan’s top batter and former captain, along with key fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, is seen as a major shift in the team’s strategy. It remains to be seen how the revamped squad will perform in the second Test against a full-strength England side led by Stokes.
