Babar Azam says Pakistan's squad overhaul before third Test in England was ‘news to me’
Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam expressed surprise at the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to overhaul the squad and coaching staff following heavy losses against England. The team is now preparing for the third Test with a significantly altered roster and new leadership.
Why it matters
The sudden management changes highlight internal instability within the Pakistan cricket team during a high-profile international series.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam admitted he was blindsided by the decision to tear up his squad ahead of this week's final cricket Test against England, saying the drastic cull was "news to me."
Babar learned of the wholesale changes only after an official statement by the Pakistan Cricket Board, he said on Tuesday, the day before the third Test at Edgbaston.
“It was news to me,” Babar said in Urdu. "I found out after.
“The PCB decided it, so they will be able to explain it better. The PCB's decision must have been taken after some thought process. It's better if you ask them why.”
Heavy defeats at Leeds and Lord's were met with sweeping changes by the PCB, who sent seven players home and removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul.
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