Pakistan have made seven changes to their squad during the Test series against England, with five players dropped after featuring in the matches so far: Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad. Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Jafar have been sent home without playing.
The seven call-ups include batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, both of whom have previous Test experience. They join five uncapped players selected for the Pakistan squad.
Pakistan name seven replacements
Spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas, left-arm seamer Mohammed Imran Jr, wicketkeeper Said Baig, and all-rounders Mohammad Imran and Razaullah have all received call-ups.
Former Pakistan captain and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja criticised the changes during an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live: “I’m trying to convince myself this is all OK, but it is not.”
It just shows Pakistan cricket has hit a panic button.
Pakistan are scheduled to meet King Charles at Clarence House this week. The engagement was arranged before the series against England began and is expected to go ahead despite the controversy that nearly brought the tour to an early end during the second Test.
At lunch on the first day of that match, the PCB threatened to cancel the remainder of the Test and the tour after Sky broadcast an interview with the sons of Imran Khan.
Imran Khan, the former Pakistan captain and prime minister, has been imprisoned for three years on corruption charges, which he denies.
Pakistan ultimately completed the Test. Captain Babar Azam and head coach Sarfaraz both denied having any knowledge of a planned boycott.
