Shocking! Babar Azam 'was not consulted' by PCB as 7 Pakistan players were sent back home

Babar Azam has been under pressure as Pakistan are 2-0 down in ENG vs PAK Test series.

Pakistan cricket is going through a difficult phase in England as the team prepares for the third and final Test of the series. The visitors are already 0-2 down after heavy defeats in the first two matches and will now be looking to avoid a clean sweep in the final game at Edgbaston.

Pakistan’s problems have not been limited to their performances. After losing the second Test at Lord’s, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made several major changes to the touring team. Seven players were sent back home, while changes were also made to the coaching staff.

The PCB also started an internal inquiry into reports related to player discipline and conduct. These decisions created further uncertainty around the Pakistan team just days before the final Test against England.

Now, Pakistan captain Babar Azam has revealed that he was not consulted before the major decisions were taken.

PCB made the decisions, so they can explain it to you better – Babar Azam

Speaking to reporters ahead of the third Test, Babar Azam said that the changes made by the PCB were also a surprise to him. The Pakistan captain made it clear that he was not involved in the decision to send players back or make changes to the coaching staff.

“I was not consulted. It was news to me as well. I only found out about all these things later. PCB made the decisions, so they can explain it to you better.” Babar told reporters.

Pakistan’s problems increased after their heavy defeat at Lord’s. England had already won the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before beating Pakistan by 194 runs in the second match.

Following the defeats, Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were removed from their roles. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke were then asked to take charge of the team for the final Test.

The PCB also sent seven players back to Pakistan, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha.

Babar Azam under pressure after poor England performance

Babar Azam is also facing questions about his own performance. He missed the first Test because of a hand injury before returning to the playing XI at Lord’s.

However, his comeback did not go as planned. Babar scored only eight runs in the first innings and six in the second as Pakistan suffered another big defeat.

When asked about his recent performances, Babar pointed towards his form in the previous Test series against the West Indies.

“If you talk about my performance, I guess I was the man of the series against the West Indies as captain,” Babar said.

He scored 193 runs at an average of 96.50 across four innings in that series and was named Player of the Series. Babar would be keen to make a strong comeback and help his team win the last game of series.

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