Babar Azam Breaks Silence on PCB's Major Squad Changes

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has said the Pakistan Cricket Board's major changes to the squad and coaching staff following the Lord's defeat came as a surprise to him. After Pakistan lost the second Test by 194 runs, the PCB removed head coach Sarfraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. Seven players, including Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, were also sent home, with five replacements yet to make their Test debuts. Babar said he learned about the decisions only after they had been made and declined to comment on the board's internal decisions, saying the PCB was better placed to explain them. He also denied knowing about an internal inquiry into players' discipline. With the series already lost, Babar said Pakistan would use the final Test at Edgbaston as an opportunity to play freely. Uncapped players Razaullah and Arafat Minhas are in contention for debuts, while Saim Ayub is expected to return.