In a shocking development following Pakistan’s crushing defeat to England in the first Test in Multan, former captain Babar Azam has been dropped from the squad for the second Test. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made the decision after Babar’s prolonged poor form, which has seen him struggle across formats for several months. In the first Test, Babar scored only 30 and 5 across two innings, despite playing on a pitch that was favorable for batting, intensifying concerns about his performance.
Babar’s Decline in Form
Babar Azam, who was once considered one of the brightest batting stars in Pakistan, has not managed to register a half-century in Test cricket since December 2022. His decline in form has been a subject of debate, and despite support from some members of the PCB and even Test captain Shan Masood, the selection committee believed a significant change was necessary.
The committee, which included notable figures like Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, and other senior cricket experts, decided to drop Babar ahead of the second Test. This decision was made after extensive discussions with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and several mentors, including former captains Shoaib Malik and Misbah-ul-Haq.
Reactions to the Decision
The decision to drop Babar Azam, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated cricketers, has sparked considerable debate within the cricketing community. While some experts, like Rashid Latif, believe that Babar could perform better without the pressure of captaincy, others argue that his inclusion in the squad is crucial for Pakistan’s success. The PCB’s decision signals a desire to rebuild the team and improve its competitiveness against top-ranked teams like England.
Pakistan’s Struggles Against England
Pakistan’s loss in Multan was not only humiliating but also raised serious concerns about the overall team strategy and performance. England’s dominant batting display, led by Joe Root and Harry Brook, exposed Pakistan’s weak bowling and inconsistent batting lineup. Despite favorable batting conditions, Pakistan’s top order, including Babar, failed to deliver, with the team bowled out for just 200 in their second innings.
The Selection Process
The decision to drop Babar came after the senior selection committee met twice following the Multan Test. The committee evaluated not just Babar’s recent form but also the overall team dynamics. The PCB also consulted team management and the Multan pitch curator to assess the match conditions that contributed to Pakistan’s poor performance. Although some committee members advocated for Babar’s inclusion, the majority felt that it was time for a change, especially with Pakistan eyeing future Test series.
What’s Next for Babar?
Babar Azam’s future in the Test squad remains uncertain. With the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier domestic first-class competition, set to start soon, it is unclear whether Babar will participate or focus on regaining his form. Many believe that a break from the national team could help Babar rediscover his rhythm and return stronger for future international fixturesCricket.com.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan team is preparing for the second Test, and there are indications that Noman Ali or Sajid Khan could replace Babar in the lineup. The PCB is also looking at making other changes to address the shortcomings in both batting and bowling departments.
Conclusion
Babar Azam’s exclusion from the Pakistan Test squad marks a significant moment in the country’s cricket history. While the decision has stirred controversy, it reflects the PCB’s determination to rebuild a more competitive team. Whether Babar can bounce back and regain his place in the squad remains to be seen, but his struggles in recent months have undoubtedly led to this critical moment. As Pakistan looks ahead to the next Test, all eyes will be on how the team performs without one of its most prominent players.
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