Afridi and Malik criticize Pakistan selectors over squad changes

Former Pakistan cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik have publicly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board for its management of the ongoing Test series in England. Following a 194-run defeat at Lord's that secured an England series win, the Pakistan Cricket Board released seven players and dismissed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. The board appointed white-ball coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke to fill the coaching vacancies ahead of the final Test at Edgbaston. Shahid Afridi questioned the decision to add T20-focused players to the Test squad and described the removal of Sarfaraz Ahmed after five matches as premature. Shoaib Malik characterized the mid-series dismissal of players as disrespectful and suggested that personnel changes should wait until the completion of the tour. The squad replacements include several uncapped players alongside Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal.

• 4:38 AMYahoo Sports — 'T20 players included for Tests': Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik slam Pakistan selectors over squad selection amid chaos in England tour