‘Most Shocking Decision Ever’: Shahid Afridi Slams PCB Over Radical Test Squad Overhaul

Pakistan cricket is currently embroiled in turmoil as legendary former captain Shahid Afridi publicly condemned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for implementing a dramatic and controversial transformation of the national Test squad midway through their ongoing series against England.

In a stinging rebuke, Afridi branded the board’s decision to overhaul the coaching staff and drop seven players as the “most shocking decision ever” made by a selection committee. The move comes as Pakistan faces a desperate situation, having already conceded the first two Tests of the series with crushing defeats—losing by an innings and 103 runs in the opener, followed by a 194-run loss at Lord’s.

Afridi Questions the Logic of the “Selection Chaos”

The scale of the changes is unprecedented. Ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston, scheduled to begin on September 9, the PCB has released seven players and introduced seven replacements, including five uncapped prospects. Notably, the board also terminated the roles of head coach and bowling coach Umar Gul.

Taking to social media to voice his frustration, Afridi questioned the tactical intelligence behind these maneuvers. “Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision!” the former all-rounder wrote.

“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.”

The squad shake-up includes the removal of established figures like Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Salman Ali Agha, in favor of a youthful infusion including Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, and Arafat Minhas.

Misbah-ul-Haq Resigns Amid Structural Turmoil

The chaos has extended beyond the pitch, triggering a breakdown within the PCB’s administrative hierarchy. Reports indicate that former captain Misbah-ul-Haq has tendered his resignation from the national selection committee.

Sources suggest that Misbah was blindsided by the wholesale changes, having not been consulted by the board prior to the announcement. In addition to stepping away from selection duties, Misbah has reportedly decided to resign from his position as a batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. While the PCB has not yet officially accepted his resignation, the move highlights the deepening rift between the board’s leadership and its most respected former players.

A Difficult Road Ahead

As Pakistan struggles with internal instability, the team faces an daunting logistical and sporting reality. Despite the organizational turmoil, the squad is still expected to fulfill a pre-scheduled engagement with King Charles at Clarence House later this week.

On the field, however, the challenge remains grim. With the team in disarray and morale seemingly at an all-time low, the coaching staff and the revamped squad must find a way to perform at Edgbaston to avoid a humiliating 3-0 series clean sweep by England.