Former captains criticise PCB decision to drop seven players

Both former captains questioned the timing and reasoning behind the major changes to the squad. Their comments have brought fresh attention to the PCB’s selection policy and the way the national team is being managed during an ongoing Test series.

Afridi questions selection of replacements

Afridi said he did not understand the logic behind dropping the players, particularly when questions remained over the selection of their replacements.

He questioned whether players more suited to T20 cricket were being brought into a Test squad for a series in England.

“Are T20 players being added to the squad for a Test match in England? What kind of thinking and approach is this?” Afridi questioned.

His comments reflect concerns about whether the replacements were selected according to the demands of Test cricket.

Playing Test cricket in England can require specialist skills, particularly from players expected to perform in challenging conditions over longer matches.

Coach’s removal also questioned

Afridi also questioned the decision to remove the coach after only five Test matches.

He described the move as one of the surprising decisions taken by a selection committee that includes several experienced selectors.

The former captain suggested that major changes should be based on a clear assessment of performances and team requirements.

He also questioned whether frequent changes could help Pakistan build consistency in Test cricket.

His remarks have added to the debate over the PCB’s approach to team management and selection.

Malik defends dropped players

Shoaib Malik also criticised the decision and defended the players removed from the squad.

He said the dropped cricketers were still national players who had represented Pakistan and served the country.

Malik objected to remarks suggesting that some players should be “sent back on the first flight”.

He said such language was disrespectful to players who had been part of the national setup.

According to Malik, players should be treated with respect even when they are not performing or are not included in the playing XI.

Malik calls for broader accountability

Malik said accountability should not focus only on the players.

He argued that responsibility should also be placed on those involved in decisions that have affected the wider cricket system.

Also Read: Misbah-ul-Haq resigns from PCB selection committee

The former captain pointed out that some of the players removed from the squad had spent time on the bench.

Others had played only two or three Tests and had limited opportunities to prove themselves.

He questioned whether it was fair to make major judgments about players without giving them enough chances.

Seven players dropped after heavy defeats

The PCB dropped seven players from Pakistan’s national squad following heavy defeats in the first two Tests against England.

The changes came during the ongoing series and significantly altered the composition of the squad. Some of the players removed had not featured in the playing XI in either of the first two Tests.

This means they were dropped from the squad despite having little or no opportunity to contribute on the field during those matches. The decision has therefore raised questions about how responsibility for the defeats was being assessed.

Pressure grows on Pakistan’s cricket setup

The criticism comes at a time when Pakistan’s Test team is under pressure to improve its results.

Heavy defeats can often lead to calls for changes, but major squad alterations during a series can also create uncertainty. Players need clear roles and enough preparation to perform effectively in Test cricket.

Frequent changes can make it harder for a team to develop stability, particularly during an international series. The PCB will now face greater scrutiny over its selection and management decisions.

England series puts selection policy in focus

The England series has placed Pakistan’s selection strategy under the spotlight. The debate is not only about the seven dropped players but also about the process used to choose their replacements.

Afridi and Malik’s comments suggest that former players want greater clarity from the PCB over its decisions. Their criticism may also increase pressure on selectors and team management to explain the reasoning behind major changes.