PAK vs ENG: "Gives An Opportunity" - Shahid Afridi Backs Selectors Call to Rest Babar, Shaheen & Naseem

Former captain Shahid Afridi has backed the selectors decision to rest Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah from the Test squad for the remainder of the three-match series against England.

On the aftermath a bad run of results, including the most recent innings defeat to England in the first Test in Multan, the Pakistan selectors opted to freshen up the squad for the 2nd and 3rd Tests, scheduled to be held later this month.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday (October 13) dropped senior players Babar, Shaheen, Naseem and Sarfraz Ahmed from the squad, earning mixed reactions from the cricketing fraternity.

While many have questioned the board of the selectors' call, the PCB stated that the decision to axe players from the squad was made in the best interest of Pakistan's cricket, Geo News reported, citing The News.

A PCB spokesperson backed the board's decision by stating that the players were "spared from the team to give them rest so that they can come back afresh". Now, a former skipper, who has often been vocal about the team's matters has also backed the selectors decision.

Shahid Afridi took to social media to support the selectors' decision to rest the senior trio as it gives a good chance to "test and groom emerging talent" when the key players get adequate break in the packed cricket calendar.

"Supporting the selectors' decision to give Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem a break from international cricket. This move not only helps protect and extend the careers of these champion players but also gives a great opportunity to test and groom emerging talent, building strong bench strength for the future," Afridi posted on X.

The senior quartet as well as Abrar Ahmed, who fell ill in the series opener, have been replaced by Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Ali, Sajid Khan and Kamran Ghulam.

Pakistan has already announced their playing 11 for the second Test, starting on Tuesday (October 15), when Kamran Ghulam will make his Test debut, and the likes of Sajid Khan, Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood also find a place in the line up.