In a recent development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the teams for the second and third Tests Pakistan vs England.

However, the Pakistan management has decided to sideline three of its biggest stars for the rest of the tournament. The decision is surprising as the hosts have already lost the first match of the series and will now be without their biggest stars for the decisive second Test between Pakistan and England, scheduled for October 15.

Former captain Babar Azam, along with star pacers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, have been dropped for the second and third Tests. Wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed, who did not feature in the playing XI in the first match, has also been released from the team.

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Pakistan’s historic defeat in the first Test led to the recent decision.

The shocking decision comes after Pakistan’s heavy defeat in the first Test, which also led to changes in the selection committee. The Men in Green became the first team in history to lose a Test match after scoring more than 500 runs in the first innings.

After the defeat, Aleem Dar, Aaqib Javed and Azhar Ali joined Asad Shafiq, Hasan Cheema, the coach and the captain on the panel.

Notably, Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Kamran Ghulam (all uncapped), fast bowler Mohammad Ali and spinner Sajid Khan have been brought into the team, replacing the four players mentioned above. Also, Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were part of the original squad for the first Test but were later released, have now been included in the 16-player lineup.

Pakistan team for England 2nd and 3rd Test: Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (week), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.

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