Babar Azam Says Pakistan Squad Changes Were ‘News to Me’ Ahead of 3rd Test vs England

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has revealed that he had no role in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s dramatic squad changes ahead of the third and final Test against England, saying the developments were “news to me”. Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the first two Tests at Headingley and Lord’s, after which the PCB sent seven players home and removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul.

Seven replacements, including five uncapped Test players, have joined the squad, while white-ball coach Mike Hesson and assistant Ashley Noffke have been brought in to oversee the team at Edgbaston. Babar said the PCB would be better placed to explain the decisions and urged his team to focus on the opportunity ahead.

“The series is lost but we have nothing to lose,” Babar said. He also encouraged the newcomers to perform under pressure and forget past failures. Babar, who has not scored a Test century in nearly four years, said the team must shift its focus towards the future. He also admitted he had no information about the PCB’s inquiry into the squad’s discipline and conduct.