Pakistan Drops Key Players After Test Defeat

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dropped key players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Sarfaraz Ahmed for the remaining Test matches against England after a heavy defeat in the first Test in Multan. Babar Azam, considered Pakistan's top batter, has been struggling with form, averaging below 21 over his last 18 innings and lacking half-centuries since December 2022. The PCB's decision has stirred controversy, with comparisons drawn to India's management of Virat Kohli during his lean period. The PCB explained the exclusions as a strategy to help players regain form and fitness ahead of a demanding international schedule. This move, seen by many as panic-driven, comes at a critical juncture in the series, leading to the inclusion of uncapped players by the selection committee led by Aqib Javed. Pakistan's cricket team faces pressure to regroup as they look to reverse their fortunes against England.