Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star batter, is set to be dropped from the squad for the upcoming second Test against England, following recommendations from the newly formed selection committee. This decision comes just two days after Pakistan’s heavy innings defeat in Multan.
According to sources, the selection committee, which convened in Lahore shortly after the loss, pushed for the change. A second meeting took place in Multan, involving PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and five newly appointed mentors.
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Despite the public support from captain Shan Masood, who hailed Babar as “Pakistan’s best batter,” and backing from Test coach Jason Gillespie, the selectors believe Babar needs a break from the national team. The 29-year-old has been struggling with form, failing to score a half-century in Test cricket since December 2022.
The selection panel includes former players Aaqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, and Azhar Ali, along with ex-ICC umpire Aleem Dar, analyst Hassan Cheema, and the format’s captain and head coach.
However, neither Masood nor Gillespie were part of the Friday meeting. Some mentors argued for keeping Babar in the squad, but the majority opinion was in favor of his exclusion, as Pakistan seeks to turn around their fortunes in the series.
