Pakistan captain Babar Azam has revealed that he was not consulted before the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released seven players from the Test squad ahead of the final match against England at Edgbaston. The decision, announced after Pakistan fell 2-0 behind in the three-match series, has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world and deepened the ongoing tension between Babar and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Speaking to reporters on the eve of the third Test, Babar made it clear that the sweeping changes were not his idea and that he learned about them only after they had been made. His remarks are the first public indication that the PCB's aggressive overhaul of the touring party was carried out without the captain's involvement.

Babar's Revelation

When asked about the decision to release seven players following Pakistan's heavy defeats in Leeds and at Lord's, Babar did not hide his surprise. "It was news to me," he said. "I found out after. The PCB decided it, so they'll be able to explain better."

The Pakistan captain was then pressed on whether the decision had been discussed with him before the squad was trimmed. Again, he deflected responsibility firmly toward the PCB hierarchy. "The PCB's decision must have been taken after some thought process," he added. "It's better if you ask them why."

Those comments suggest a clear disconnect between Babar and the board led by Mohsin Naqvi, who has taken an increasingly hands-on approach to team management since assuming the PCB chairmanship. Babar's tone was measured but his words spoke volumes about the lack of communication between the dressing room and the boardroom during one of Pakistan's most turbulent tours in recent memory.

Seven Players Released

The PCB's mid-series overhaul was announced in the aftermath of Pakistan's 194-run defeat at Lord's. England's victory gave them an unassailable 2-0 series lead, and the board responded by releasing Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad from the touring squad.

The decision came after a series of calamitous batting displays by Pakistan. In the opening Test in Leeds, England won by an innings and 103 runs after Pakistan collapsed in both innings. The pattern continued at Lord's, where Pakistan failed to build competitive totals and suffered another emphatic defeat. Across the first two Tests, Pakistan did not reach 200 in any of their four innings, raising serious concerns about the team's preparation and technique against England's attack.

The overhaul was not limited to playing personnel. The PCB also removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul from their positions, bringing in white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke to oversee the team for the Edgbaston Test. The mid-series change in coaching staff added another layer of instability to an already chaotic tour.

Updated Squad and Young Talent

The revised squad named by the PCB includes Babar Azam, Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.

The new look squad features several relatively untested players, and Babar hinted that the influx of youth might bring fresh energy to a dressing room that has been under intense pressure since the start of the tour. "Any young player who comes in is excited, and that excitement is visible," Babar said. "I believe that will be visible in the match, too."

Babar stressed that the team had little to lose in the final Test, given that England had already wrapped up the series. "The series is lost but we have nothing to lose," he explained. "We should play freely and believe in ourselves as a team. We've practiced a couple of days and explained things to the new boys."

The Pakistan captain is hoping that the new faces in the squad will approach the game without any fear or baggage, allowing them to express themselves on the field. His comments reflect a desire to end what has been a difficult tour on a positive note, despite the backdrop of institutional turmoil.

Babar's Form and Defence

Babar has also faced questions about his own performances during the tour. His numbers in England have not matched the high standards he has set elsewhere in his career, leading to criticism from former players and fans alike. However, he was quick to point to his recent form in the Caribbean, where he was named Player of the Series.

In Pakistan's Test series against the West Indies, Babar scored 193 runs at an astonishing average of 96.50. That reminder of his class was clearly directed at those who have questioned his place in the team and his effectiveness as captain. While he has not had a memorable time in England with the bat, Babar remains the focal point of Pakistan's batting lineup and their hopes of avoiding a 3-0 series whitewash.

The third Test carries significance well beyond the scoreline. Pakistan have already surrendered the series, but a defeat at Edgbaston would mark a particularly low point in the team's history. For Babar, leading a heavily altered squad in such circumstances will test his leadership skills to the limit. His public uncertainty about the PCB's decision has also raised questions about his future as captain, although he has not directly addressed that speculation.

The Bigger Picture

This series has been overshadowed by off-field drama, with persistent rumours of friction between Babar and Mohsin Naqvi. The PCB chairman has overseen sweeping changes since taking office, including regular alterations to the coaching staff and selection panel. Many cricket observers believe that the decision to overhaul the squad midway through a crucial series was made without sufficient involvement from the captain, and Babar's latest comments will only strengthen those claims.

The release of senior players such as Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, both of whom have substantial Test experience, has been particularly controversial. Rizwan, in particular, is regarded as one of Pakistan's most dependable wicketkeeper-batters, and his absence from the final Test has puzzled many experts. The board has not issued a detailed explanation for why these specific players were released, which has fuelled further speculation about dressing room divisions and political interference in team selection.

Mike Hesson, who has been brought in to guide the side for the final Test, faces a daunting task in trying to steady a team that is clearly low on confidence. The partnership between Hesson and Ashley Noffke is expected to bring a new tactical approach, but with only a few days to prepare, their impact may be limited. Babar acknowledged that practice sessions have been focused on helping the newcomers understand their roles and adapt to the Test environment.

Looking Ahead to Edgbaston

The third Test at Edgbaston is scheduled to begin on September 9 and run until September 13. A green-tinged pitch is expected to offer assistance to the bowlers, which could create further problems for a batting lineup that has already struggled against England's pace attack. However, Babar has urged his young players to embrace the challenge rather than shy away from it.

"We should play freely and believe in ourselves as a team," he reiterated. That message of positivity is likely to be central to Pakistan's approach in Birmingham. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, the visitors may finally play without the conservatism that has hampered them in the earlier matches.

The presence of young players such as Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori adds an element of unpredictability to Pakistan's plans. If these debutants can handle the pressure of a Test match against England in front of a packed crowd, they could provide the spark that the team has been missing throughout the series.

Babar's own form remains a major talking point. He has always carried the weight of expectation on his shoulders, but this tour has been particularly difficult. Still, his recent success in the West Indies suggests that his talent has not diminished, and a strong performance at Edgbaston would go some way toward silencing his critics.

For the PCB, the fallout from this series is likely to continue long after the final ball is bowled. Questions about the relationship between the board and the captain, the process behind the squad overhaul, and the long-term direction of Pakistan cricket will not disappear quickly. Babar's pointed comments have ensured that the spotlight remains firmly on Mohsin Naqvi and the PCB's decision-making, even as the team prepares for one more battle on the field.

As Pakistan take the field in Birmingham, the hope among their supporters is that the turmoil off the pitch will not overshadow the cricket itself. The players have a chance to restore some pride and earn a measure of respect in a series that has been defined by heavy defeats and administrative chaos. The final Test begins on September 9, and Pakistan will be eager to show that despite everything, they can still compete with one of the world's best teams.

Source: MSN News