Pakistan reshapes cricket squad amid controversy

Five players who had appeared in the ongoing series—Muhammad Rizwan, Imam‑ul‑Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad—have been dropped, while Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Jafar were sent home without featuring.

Seven new faces have been called up, including experienced batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who will join five uncapped prospects in the squad.

The additions comprise spin all‑rounder Arafat Minhas, left‑arm seamer Mohammed Imran Jr, wicketkeeper‑batsman Said Baig, and all‑rounders Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.

Former Pakistan captain and ex‑PCB chairman Ramiz Raja told 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 is scheduled to meet King Charles at Clarence House this week in an engagement that was set before the series against England began, though the tour’s controversy looms large after the second Test’s near‑aborted finish.

At lunch on the first day, the PCB threatened to cancel the remainder of the match and the entire tour following a Sky broadcast of an interview with Imran Khan’s sons. Khan, a former prime minister, has been imprisoned for three years on corruption charges he denies.

Pakistan ultimately completed the Test, with captain Babar Azam and head coach Sarfaraz both stating they had no knowledge of a planned boycott.

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