Pakistan's cricket team has implemented significant changes to its squad and coaching set-up mid-series in England, a move former captain Shahid Afridi has labelled the "most shocking decision ever by a selection committee."
Seven players have been dropped, with five uncapped players receiving call-ups. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul have been replaced by Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australia seamer Ashley Noffke.
Afridi expressed his confusion on social media, questioning the logic behind including Twenty20 players for a Test match in England and the timing of the coach's removal after only five Test matches. Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja also commented, stating, "It just shows Pakistan cricket has hit a panic button."
The changes come as Pakistan prepares for the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston, starting on Wednesday, 9 September. The team was heavily defeated in the first two Tests of the series.
Separately, the Pakistan team is scheduled to meet King Charles at Clarence House this week, an engagement planned before the series commenced. This meeting is set to proceed despite a controversial incident during the second Test where the Pakistan Cricket Board reportedly threatened to cancel the remainder of the match and tour over a broadcast interview.