Former captain surprised as T20 players are included in Pakistan’s Test squad for England

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has questioned the decisions taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) ahead of the third Test against England, saying he does not understand the logic or reasoning behind them.

Afridi said the selection of replacement players was also difficult to understand. “T20 players have been included for a Test match in England. What kind of thinking and strategy is this?” he questioned.

The former captain also questioned why the coach had been removed after only five Test matches, calling it the selection committee’s most shocking decision so far.

Afridi said decisions certainly needed to be made to improve the team’s performance, but there should also be a clear rationale and strategy behind them.

Major Changes Ahead of Third Test

The PCB has made major changes to Pakistan’s Test squad ahead of the third Test against England. The board has released Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Owais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad from the squad.

They have been replaced by seven players: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jr., Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran (also known as Imran Randhawa), and Razaullah. Five of these players are being included in a Test squad for the first time.

The PCB has also made changes to the coaching staff, releasing Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul and handing coaching responsibilities to Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke.

England have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series after winning the first two matches. The third Test will be played in Birmingham from September 9.

Also Read: PCB releases 7 players, 2 head coaches from Pakistan Test squad