Pakistan drops Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah for the remaining two Tests against England as they aim to regroup after trailing 0-1 in the series.
Pakistan Shakes Up Squad, Drops Key Players Amid Struggles in England Series
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made major changes to its squad for the remaining two Tests against England, dropping key players including star batter Babar Azam, wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed, and fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. This decision comes as Pakistan trails the series 0-1, with the team under pressure to deliver in the upcoming matches.
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain and one of their most consistent performers in limited-overs cricket, has struggled to find form in Test matches recently. Since 2023, he has managed just 366 runs at an average of 20.33, with a highest score of 41 against Australia. This prolonged slump in form has led to his exclusion from the squad, as Pakistan seeks to rebuild its batting lineup.
Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, two of Pakistan’s leading pacers, have also been left out due to struggles in their recent performances. Shaheen, known for his lethal pace and swing, has been battling injury issues, while Naseem, who made headlines with his fiery pace, has found it difficult to maintain consistency in the longer format.
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Abrar Ahmed Misses Out Due to Illness
In addition to the big names being dropped, wrist-spinner Abrar Ahmed has also been ruled out for the remaining matches as he recovers from dengue fever.
Abrar, who was expected to play a crucial role with his spin bowling, will be sorely missed in the upcoming matches.
The team management will have to find suitable replacements for both their batting and bowling units.
Pakistan’s Challenges in the Series
Trailing 0-1 in the series, Pakistan faces an uphill battle against a strong England side. With some of their most experienced players now unavailable, the pressure will be on the remaining squad members to step up.
The PCBs decision to drop these players highlights the urgency for a fresh approach, as they look to reverse their fortunes in the remaining matches.
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