Pakistan’s cricket team has undergone significant changes ahead of the remaining matches in their Test series against England, following a six-match losing streak and a crushing innings defeat in Multan. With star players like Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi being sidelined, many speculated that poor performances were the reason for their omission. However, assistant coach Azhar Mahmood has clarified that the decision to bench these big names is primarily based on fitness, not form.
Speaking at a press conference, Mahmood explained that Babar Azam’s exclusion is not a reflection of his recent struggles with the bat but rather a necessary rest period to manage the workload of Pakistan’s top player. “Babar is our No.1 player. There’s no doubt about his technique and ability. If you look at Pakistan’s Future Tours Programme (FTP), we have a lot of cricket ahead,” said Mahmood. He emphasized that the decision was made with the upcoming busy schedule in mind, including tours to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Babar has endured a difficult patch in recent months, averaging just 20.33 since the start of 2023 and failing to score a half-century in his last 18 innings. While his form has been questioned, Mahmood was clear that Babar has not been dropped. “He hasn’t been dropped, he’s just been rested to give him a chance to recharge and come back strong,” he said.
The decision to rest fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi was also addressed. Mahmood acknowledged that Pakistan has struggled to take 20 wickets in recent Tests, particularly in Multan, where England piled on a record 823 runs. “This was the third Test under new management, and we were trying to figure out how to take wickets. We’ve recognized that we have more options with spin now, and both Naseem and Shaheen had some fitness concerns,” he explained. Mahmood added that both bowlers have played a lot of cricket recently, and resting them was crucial for managing their long-term fitness.
Despite the challenges Pakistan faced with the ball, especially against the likes of Joe Root and Harry Brook, Mahmood reiterated that the management’s decision to rest key players is a forward-thinking one. “Mentally, it takes a toll, even if you feel strong. Babar was willing to play, but for him and the team, it’s best that he gets some rest to return fresh for the busy months ahead,” he concluded.
Pakistan will look to bounce back when they face England in the second Test, starting on October 15 in Multan.
