Shahid Afridi Questions PCB Decisions After Changes to Pakistan Test Squad
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the major changes made to the national Test setup during the ongoing series against England.
Speaking on Geo News’ program Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Afridi described the timing of the PCB’s decisions as inappropriate and argued that major changes should have been considered after the Test series had concluded.
Afridi said the developments had created an unfavorable image for Pakistan cricket and questioned why the changes were introduced while the team was still competing in England.
He also suggested that even if the decision came from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, members of the selection committee should have raised objections if they believed the move was not appropriate.
Afridi Questions Player Selection
The former captain also expressed concerns about the players selected for the third Test.
According to Afridi, Pakistan needed players suited to the longer format rather than relying heavily on cricketers whose experience has mainly come in T20 cricket.
He argued that consistency and merit should be central to decision-making within Pakistan cricket.
“There is neither consistency in our decisions nor are decisions made on merit,” Afridi said.
Afridi further advised PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to give greater attention to cricket-related matters and maintain closer oversight of important decisions.
Questions Raised Over Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Appointment
Afridi also questioned the process through which former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed became head coach of the national team.
He said he was initially pleased when Sarfaraz joined the PCB because he believed the former captain could contribute to the development of younger players, particularly at the Under-19 level.
However, Afridi questioned how Sarfaraz moved into the senior team’s head coaching role within a short period.
“What kind of process is this under which Sarfaraz Ahmed was made head coach within three months?” he asked.
PCB Makes Major Changes Before Third Test
Afridi’s comments came after Pakistan lost the first two Tests of the three-match series against England, leaving the hosts with an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Following the second Test, the PCB made several changes to Pakistan’s squad for the final match.
Seven players were released from the touring group, while Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah were brought into the squad.
The coaching setup was also changed, with Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul removed from their positions. Members of the white-ball coaching staff were subsequently assigned responsibilities for the Test team.
Selection Committee Also Faces Uncertainty
The changes also created tension within Pakistan’s selection structure.
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq was reportedly unhappy after not being consulted about the replacement players selected for the England tour and subsequently resigned from the selection committee.
The developments have added further debate around Pakistan cricket’s selection and coaching processes as the team prepares for the final Test against England.
