The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recently come under intense criticism following its decision to drop star batter Babar Azam, as well as key players like Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, for the second and third Tests against England. The move has ignited a wave of public discontent, with fans expressing outrage over social media and senior cricket figures questioning the wisdom behind the decision. Babar Azam, the captain and leading run-scorer for Pakistan, has been one of the most consistent performers in recent years, making his exclusion particularly controversial. Critics argue that omitting such pivotal players from crucial matches sends a wrong message and could negatively affect the team’s performance and morale.
Babar Azam’s form has been one of the main pillars of Pakistan cricket. As captain, he has often led from the front, showcasing remarkable batting prowess across all formats. In Test cricket, Babar has consistently performed on both home and foreign pitches, cementing his place among the world’s best batsmen. His technique and temperament in Test matches have earned him plaudits not only in Pakistan but globally, with many experts regarding him as one of the finest talents of his generation. The decision to drop him, therefore, left many bewildered, with fans voicing frustration at seeing their top batter and captain sidelined.
Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, has also been a vital cog in the team’s success. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and his lethal pace, Shaheen has been a game-changer for Pakistan in recent years. His early breakthroughs and knack for picking up crucial wickets have turned matches in Pakistan’s favor. In particular, Shaheen’s performance in high-stakes games, including previous matches against England, made him an irreplaceable asset in the squad. Dropping a bowler of his caliber, critics argue, weakens Pakistan’s bowling attack significantly.
Naseem Shah, another talented fast bowler, has also shown tremendous promise since his debut as a teenager. With his raw pace and ability to generate bounce, Naseem has often troubled top-class batsmen. Though young, his performances in the international arena have been commendable, and he has shown an impressive ability to deliver under pressure. Given his form and potential, many were baffled by his exclusion, especially when playing against a strong opponent like England.
In defending its decision, the PCB has issued statements emphasizing the need to rotate players, citing concerns over workload management and long-term planning. A PCB official mentioned that the management is focused on preserving the players’ fitness for future assignments, particularly with major tournaments such as the World Cup and other bilateral series lined up. “It’s essential to manage the workload of key players. We want to ensure their availability for future games. With Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem, it’s a matter of careful consideration for their health and longevity in cricket,” stated a senior PCB representative.
However, the explanations provided by the PCB have not calmed the public’s anger. Fans and critics argue that the timing of the decision was inappropriate, given the high stakes of the series against England. Pakistan has been battling for form in Test cricket, and dropping its key players at such a crucial juncture is seen as counterproductive. Several fans expressed their disappointment on social media, with many calling the decision “misguided” and “ill-timed,” particularly as Babar Azam’s leadership and experience are seen as essential to guiding the team through challenging situations.
Javeria Khan, former captain of the Pakistan women’s cricket team, also voiced her strong opposition to the PCB’s decision. She described the exclusion of Babar Azam as a “mockery” of Pakistan cricket and criticized the board for disrespecting the legacy of one of its premier players. Javeria highlighted the absurdity of resting such a vital player in the middle of an important series. In her remarks on social media, she lamented, “No athlete can ever perform with an exhausted mindset… Apparently, these four players don’t need rest. It is the system that needs to reset its mindset.”
Fakhar Zaman, a key figure in the Pakistani cricket landscape, openly criticized the PCB’s decision on social media. He expressed his discontent, stating that sidelining Babar Azam, who is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen in Pakistan’s cricket history, sends a negative message. Zaman drew parallels with India’s treatment of Virat Kohli during his rough patches, emphasizing that dropping a player of Babar’s caliber could undermine team morale and performance. He argued that instead of resting key players mid-series, the PCB should focus on supporting them through challenging times. “It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam… We should focus on safeguarding our key players rather than undermining them,” he stated.
The absence of Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem has also sparked discussions on the depth of Pakistan’s squad. Some have questioned whether the current lineup can cope with the challenge posed by a formidable England side. Critics fear that with these stars missing, Pakistan may struggle to maintain competitive momentum in the series.
Babar Azam’s recent cricketing performances further complicate the matter. As of late, he has been in excellent form, contributing significantly with the bat across formats. His exclusion from the Test squad seems particularly confusing given his ability to anchor innings in challenging conditions. Shaheen Afridi has similarly been in top form, taking crucial wickets and often being the go-to bowler for breakthroughs. Naseem Shah, though younger and less experienced, has also shown the ability to step up in pressure situations.
As the criticism mounts, the PCB finds itself in a difficult position, balancing the need for player rotation and the demand for its best talents on the field. While the board insists on the importance of managing the players’ workload, the decision has undoubtedly sparked intense scrutiny, with many believing that the move could have a lasting impact on Pakistan’s performance in the current Test series.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.