Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi Dropped from Pakistan Test Team
Pakistan cricket is making waves with the decision to drop three prominent players—Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi—from the second and third matches of the Test series against England. This decision, while not entirely unexpected, has raised concerns about whether the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) acted too soon.
Babar Azam, a world-class batsman, has struggled with form recently, particularly at a mental level. His skill as a player is undisputed, but when under pressure or unable to handle certain situations, even the best can falter.
Azam’s removal from the squad follows his earlier demotion as captain, signaling a significant turning point in his career. Kamran Ghulam has been called in to replace him, with many expecting Ghulam to take Azam’s place in the lineup.
Critics are questioning whether PCB hit the panic button prematurely. Some believe it would have been better to wait until the series concluded before making such a drastic decision. Dropping key players mid-series could create instability within the team, as uncertainty looms over everyone’s place in the squad.
The pressure on the selectors had been mounting for a while. Babar Azam’s recent leadership during the 2023 World Cup in India and previous failures, such as the 2024 T20 World Cup, were key factors leading to this moment.
Additionally, the burden of playing too much cricket without a break may have taken its toll. Many believe that Babar, assured of his spot in the team for so long, may not have expected this exclusion.
However, it’s important to note that this decision may not lead to an immediate turnaround for Pakistan. The team is trying out new players, hoping to inject fresh energy, but losing three key members could weaken their overall performance.
New Youngsters Over Tired Bowling Attack
On the bowling front, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi were also left out, as they appeared ineffective against England. Despite bowling many overs, both players failed to trouble the opposition. The break may allow them to recover physically and mentally, especially considering they only had a three-day rest between matches.
Their performances lacked the precision and planning necessary to take wickets, and their frustration on the field was evident.
For Babar Azam, this exclusion could be an opportunity to regroup. He needs time to work on his mental resilience, fitness, and overall game. Azam’s physical condition has also come into question, with many pointing out that five-day Test matches demand peak physical form. Without it, even a player’s talent can be overshadowed.
While these changes are significant, it remains to be seen if they will lead to success in the remaining matches of the series. What is clear, however, is that Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi will need to work on their form before making their return to thenational squad.
