The changes come after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat in the second Test, allowing England to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Ahead of the third and final Test against England, the side replaced seven players and released head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul . Pakistan cricket is being bashed after a recent decision to change almost half of the squad mid-series following two losses against England.
The changes, that too with one match remaining in the series, have received negative responses all around.
Former Pakistan captain and batting great Javed Miandad said he was shocked by the decision and felt sorry for the players sent back home and even those sent to England. Former captain Rashid Latif said Babar Azam should have resigned as skipper when the Board decided to take such a decision. “There is a difference between a captain and a leader, and Babar has just stood by and left his players stranded,” Latif said. Earlier, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq offered his resignation from the Pakistan men’s national selection committee following the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to make major changes to the Test squad and coaching staff during the ongoing tour of England, according to Cricinfo.
“Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision! Afridi wrote on social media, as quoted by BBC . “Even the replacements make no sense. T20 players have been included for a Test match in England? What is this thinking and approach? 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.
