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Shahid Afridi Criticizes Pakistan Cricket Board Over Squad and Coaching Overhaul

Former captain Shahid Afridi and ex-PCB chairman Ramiz Raja condemned major mid-series changes to Pakistan's Test squad in England.

Updated Sep 1, 2026 · 10:20 UTC1 reports

The short version

Pakistan made extensive changes to its squad and coaching staff mid-series in England, dropping seven players and changing head coaches after losing the first two Test matches.
Former national team captain Shahid Afridi called the mid-tour changes the 'most shocking decision ever' by a selection committee, while former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja said the board has 'hit a panic button.'
Pakistan will field five uncapped players in the third and final Test at Edgbaston starting on September 9.

Pakistan dropped seven players—including active series participants Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, and Khurram Shahzad—and added seven replacements ahead of the third Test.[BBC News]
Five uncapped players were called up to the squad: Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran, and Razaullah.[BBC News]
Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul were replaced by white-ball coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke.[BBC News]
Former captain Shahid Afridi publicly criticized the selection committee's choices, questioning the inclusion of T20 players for a Test series and the dismissal of the head coach after five matches.[BBC News]
The third and final Test against England is set to begin at Edgbaston on September 9, following Pakistan's defeats in the first two matches.[BBC News]
The Pakistan squad is scheduled to meet King Charles at Clarence House, following earlier mid-tour friction when the PCB briefly threatened to cancel the tour over a broadcast interview with Imran Khan's sons.[BBC News]