In a shocking news came here in Sunday morning, Babar Azam, Shaheeh, Naseem has been dropped from the Pakistan Test squad ahead of the second Test against England, following a disappointing innings defeat in Multan. The decision, which has undoubtedly sent ripples through Pakistan cricket, was initiated by the newly formed selection committee that convened shortly after the team’s loss.
This committee includes notable figures such as Aaqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, and former ICC umpire Aleem Dar, along with input from the team’s captain and head coach.
But the limelight was on Babar Azam only, despite the vocal support from captain Shan Masood, who labeled Babar Azam as “Pakistan’s best batter,” it appears the selection panel felt a change was necessary. This sentiment echoed through a meeting held on Saturday in Multan, where the majority favored Babar’s exclusion, citing his prolonged struggles with form.
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Since December 2022, Babar has not managed to score a half-century in Test cricket, leading to growing concerns about his performance. His recent output against England, with a total of just 35 runs across two innings, further highlighted his batting woes.
The scrutiny surrounding Babar Azam has intensified as he has gone 18 consecutive innings without crossing the 50-run mark. This slump is concerning, particularly for a player once regarded as one of the premier Test batters in the world.
In the first Test against England, Babar Azam struggled against a relatively straightforward bowling attack, being dismissed due to a variety of lapses at the crease. Since the beginning of 2023, his batting average in nine Tests has plummeted to under 21, raising pressing questions about his future role in the team.
Babar’s challenges have been further complicated by his tumultuous leadership journey. Following his resignation as captain after Pakistan’s elimination from the ODI World Cup in 2023, he was reinstated just four months later.
However, this second stint yielded unsatisfactory results, culminating in a disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. After stepping down again, Babar cited a desire to concentrate on his batting, indicating the toll his leadership role had taken on his performance.
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Alongside Babar Azam’s demotion, the selection committee is likely to implement other changes to the squad. Due to injury, Abrar Ahmed remains hospitalized and is expected to be unavailable for the upcoming match, prompting selectors to consider alternative spinning options such as Noman Ali and Sajid Khan.
Additionally, Shaheen Afridi’s status is uncertain as he continues his recovery from a persistent knee injury, which has hindered his form over recent months.
Babar Azam’s exclusion will undoubtedly be the focal point of discussions in the cricketing community, given his stature within the sport. Despite the recent string of defeats and his inconsistent form, he has maintained a loyal fanbase that views him as the face of Pakistani cricket.
His contributions to the team have been invaluable, particularly during a remarkable period from November 2019 to late 2022, where he averaged just under 62 in 25 Tests, including eight centuries and 15 half-centuries.
With the second Test against England set to commence on October 15 in Multan, Pakistan will look to rebound from their recent losses while adapting to significant changes within the team. The cricketing world will be closely monitoring the repercussions of Babar Azam’s dropping and how it affects the future of Pakistan’s cricketing prospects.
