‘Most shocking decision ever’ – Shahid Afridi baffled by Pakistan squad overhaul for third Test

Pakistan‘s selection committee made sweeping changes to the squad for the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston, which began on Wednesday, September 9. The decision came after the team lost the series 2-0 following a 194-run defeat in the second Test. Seven players were released from the squad, while five uncapped players were called up alongside two batters with previous Test experience.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi expressed strong criticism of the overhaul on social media on August 31, 2026. Afridi questioned the logic behind the selection committee’s approach and the inclusion of players he felt were unsuitable for Test cricket in England.

“Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision! 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?” Afridi wrote on his official social media handle on Tuesday, September 01.

The erstwhile all-rounder added that the decision represented a fundamental failure of the selection process by the touring Pakistani team.

“This is the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee which includes so many experienced selectors.” the legendary pakistan cricketer expressed.

Afridi’s criticism of the squad changes

The seven players released included Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad. Five of these players had featured in the series itself, while Aamer Jamal and Muhammad Awais Jafar were sent home without playing a single match. This meant the selection committee removed experienced squad members who had already been tested in the series conditions.

Players released and replacements called up

Five uncapped players were called up to replace the departed squad members: Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razaullah. Additionally, batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who possessed previous Test experience, joined the squad to strengthen the batting unit. The combination of entirely new faces and players with limited Test exposure raised questions about the team’s preparation for the final match.

Coaching changes announced

The overhaul extended beyond player selection. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were released from their positions. Mike Hesson, who served as Pakistan’s white-ball coach, and former Australia seamer Ashley Noffke were brought in to take charge for the final Test match.