Watch: "PCB can explain It Better" — Babar Azam reveals shocking truth on Pakistan's squad change ahead of ENG vs PAK 3rd Test press conference

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has broken his silence on the Pakistan Cricket Board’s major mid-series changes. He revealed that he was not consulted before seven players were released from the squad and changes were made to the coaching setup.

The PCB made the changes after Pakistan suffered two heavy defeats against England in the Test series. Several experienced players were sent home ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston, leaving the team with a changed squad for the series finale.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Birmingham, Babar said he was not aware of the decision to release seven players. He added, “PCB can explain it better” when asked about the squad changes. 

Watch Babar Azam’s viral press conference video here.

Babar Azam reacts to PCB's squad overhaul ahead of ENG vs PAK 3rd Test

Speaking to reporters ahead of the third Test against England, Babar Azam admitted that the PCB’s decision came as a surprise to him. The Pakistan captain said he was not consulted before the squad changes were made.

Babar said the Pakistan Cricket Board took the decision without consulting him. He revealed that he learned about the squad changes later. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, he said the PCB would be in a better position to explain the decision.

See  also -Why was Sarfaraz Ahmed removed as Pakistan's Test coach? Report reveals shocking reason

The PCB sent seven players home before the end of the England tour. Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Ali Usman and Awais Zafar were released from the squad. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed, while five players without Test experience were added to the squad.

"It was news to me" — Babar Azam on not being consulted over 7 players sent home

Babar Azam said he was not consulted about the decision to send seven players home before the third Test against England. The Pakistan captain admitted that the squad changes came as a surprise to him. “It was news to me,” Azam said at the press conference. “I found out after. The PCB decided it, so they will be able to explain better.”

The Pakistan skipper explained the PCB must have had a reason behind the major changes and urged his team to focus on the opportunity ahead. “The series is lost but we have nothing to lose. We should play freely and believe in ourselves as a team,” he said. He also asked the new players to make the most of their chance.

See also -Why was Sarfaraz Ahmed removed as Pakistan's Test coach? Report reveals shocking reason

The Pakistan captain said the new players should forget the team’s past failures and focus on the future. “It’s an opportunity for the new boys and a chance to showcase their talent,” Babar said. “We need to forget about past failures and shift focus to the future.” He also said he had no information about the PCB’s inquiry into the team’s discipline and conduct.

Babar also shuts down questions over his poor form ahead of 3rd Test

Pakistan’s recent batting struggles have also put Babar Azam’s form under the spotlight. The questions came after England took an unassailable 2-0 lead with a 194-run win at Lord’s. Pakistan failed to score 200 runs in either innings of the second Test.

A journalist asked 'Men in Green' skipper about his Test form and the PCB’s decision to drop players such as Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha. Babar defended his performances and pointed to his recent success against the West Indies. “If we’re talking about performers, I think I was the Player of the Series last time,” Babar said.

One of the finest batter in his era, Babar was named Player of the Series in Pakistan’s Test series against the West Indies after scoring 193 runs at an average of 96.50. However, he struggled at Lord’s, scoring only 8 and 6 runs in the two innings. Pakistan will now look to avoid a 3-0 series defeat in the third Test at Birmingham.