Babar Azam Faces Fitness Issues Amid Major Changes in Pakistan Cricket Team

Babar Azam's Health Update

Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, is currently battling a fever as the team prepares for the upcoming third Test against England at Edgbaston, as reported by local news sources.

Team manager Naveed Akram Cheema reassured that while Babar is unwell, there is no cause for alarm regarding his overall fitness, and a swift recovery is anticipated. This news comes as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) implements significant changes to the squad ahead of the Test starting on September 9, with the team eager to avoid a series whitewash.

In the previous match at Lord's, Babar managed to score only eight and six runs, contributing to Pakistan's defeat by 194 runs. He had missed the first Test due to an injury, with Salman Ali Agha stepping in as captain. Babar had previously performed well during the West Indies tour, accumulating 193 runs across two matches, including two half-centuries. However, he has not scored a century in Tests since his 161 against New Zealand in December 2022.

Significant Squad and Coaching Changes

Ahead of the final Test against England, Pakistan has made substantial alterations to their Test squad, replacing nearly half of the team and parting ways with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul following disappointing performances in the first two Tests, according to reports.

The changes were prompted by a heavy 194-run loss in the second Test, which allowed England to secure a 2-0 lead in the series. Pakistan had also lost the first Test by an innings.

The PCB has released seven players, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Salman Agha, while introducing five uncapped players to the squad. The newcomers include Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah, who collectively have only 10 matches of experience. Additionally, Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke, currently part of the white-ball coaching team, will join the Test coaching staff.

Misbah-ul-Haq Resigns from Selection Committee

Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq has resigned from the Pakistan men's national selection committee following the PCB's decision to overhaul the Test squad and coaching staff during the ongoing England tour.

Reports indicate that the PCB has yet to accept Misbah's resignation. He has also chosen to step down from his role as a batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

Misbah, who retired as Pakistan's most successful Test captain in 2017, has held various positions within the PCB over the years. He was appointed head coach and chief selector in 2019 but resigned from the chief selector role in October 2020 to focus on coaching. He later stepped down as head coach in 2021. In 2023, he returned to the PCB as an advisor and was appointed as one of five mentors for the men's Champions Cup in 2024.

Selectors Under Investigation

The PCB has requested explanations from selectors regarding the inclusion of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq. A notice was issued on the same day the board announced the dismissal of seven players and two coaches ahead of the third Test.

The selection committee has been asked to provide a written explanation within 24 hours, detailing the rationale behind Rizwan and Imam's selections.

Rizwan was Pakistan's leading Test run-scorer from early 2024 until the West Indies tour, boasting the highest batting average on the team. Imam, despite playing only two Tests during that period, had been a top performer in domestic cricket.

Pakistan Aims to Avoid Series Whitewash

The loss at Lord's marked Pakistan's 15th defeat in their last 20 Tests, placing them at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings.

The third Test is set to commence at Edgbaston on September 9, with Pakistan determined to conclude the series positively and prevent a 3-0 clean sweep.

Pakistan Squad for the Birmingham Test Against England

The squad includes: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Ubaid Shah.