Pakistan's cricket team has made significant squad alterations during their ongoing series in England, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from former captain Shahid Afridi, who described it as the "most shocking decision ever." The shake-up involves seven players, with five having already featured in the current series.
Players dropped from the squad include Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, and Khurram Shahzad. Additionally, Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Jafar have been sent home without participating in any matches.
Seven new players have been called up to bolster the squad. Batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, both with prior Test experience, are among the new additions, joined by five uncapped newcomers. The new call-ups include spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas, left-arm seamer Mohammed Imran Jr, wicketkeeper Said Baig, and all-rounders Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.
Ramiz Raja, a former captain and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), expressed his concern, telling BBC Radio 5 Live that the decision suggests "Pakistan cricket has hit a panic button."
The squad changes occurred during a series that nearly faced a controversial early end. At the first interval on the opening day of the second Test, the PCB reportedly threatened to cancel the remainder of the match and the tour. This action was allegedly prompted by an interview involving the sons of Imran Khan, a former Pakistan captain and prime minister, which was broadcast by Sky. Imran Khan has been in prison for three years on corruption charges, which he denies.
Despite the near-cancellation, the Test match was ultimately completed. Both current captain Babar Azam and head coach Sarfaraz Khan have denied any knowledge of a planned boycott.
The Pakistan team is also scheduled to meet King Charles at Clarence House this week. This engagement was arranged prior to the series against England and is set to proceed despite the recent controversies.