Sarfaraz Ahmed released from squad ahead of Pak vs Eng second test

LAHORE: Wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed has been released from the national test squad ahead of the second test match between Pakistan and England in Multan, ARY News reported.

According to sources, the selection committee and team management had differences over the decision to drop Babar Azam, with the selection committee wanting to include Kamran Ghulam in his place.

The selection committee will also decide on the pitch preparation in Multan, sources added.

Babar Azam and left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi are also likely to miss the second Test against England.

Following Pakistan’s crushing defeat in the first Test in Multan, there is a strong possibility that former captains Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi will be rested for the second Test.

Sources have indicated that the squad announcement for the second Test will be made after consultation with the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Also read: Ahmed Shehzad has an advice for Sarfaraz Ahmed

The selection committee already completed discussions with the captain and head coach, and the second Test between Pakistan and England is scheduled to begin on Tuesday in Multan.

Meanwhile, the continued failures of Pakistan’s Test team have placed captain Shan Masood’s leadership in jeopardy.

There are growing speculations that he may be replaced as captain after overseeing Pakistan’s sixth consecutive Test defeat, including several historically humiliating losses.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has restructured the selection committee. The new committee will not only strategize for the upcoming Test matches but also deliberate on changes in team leadership.

According to media reports, potential candidates to replace Shan Masood as captain include Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Ali Agha, with ongoing discussions regarding the leadership change.