Former captains criticise PCB decision to drop seven players during England series

“Are T20 players being added to the squad for a Test match in England? What kind of thinking and approach is this?” Afridi questioned.

Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision! Even the replacements make no sense - T20 players have been included for a Test match in England? What is this thinking and approach?

Why has the coach been axed after 5 Test matches? This is the most shocking decision…— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridi. Official)August 31, 2026He also questioned why the coach was removed after just five Test matches, calling the move one of the most surprising decisions by a selection committee comprising several experienced selectors.

Malik, who led Pakistan to the final of the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, said the players dropped from the squad were still national cricketers who had served the country. He criticised remarks suggesting that the players should be “sent back on the first flight”, saying such language was disrespectful to national players.

Malik said accountability should begin with those responsible for damaging the system rather than players who had been on the bench or had played only two or three Tests. The PCB dropped seven players from the national squad following Pakistan’s heavy defeats in the first two Tests of the England series.

Some of those removed from the squad had not featured in the playing XI in either match.