Pakistan drop Shaheen, Naseem alongside Babar for next two Tests

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah were left out for the second Multan Test • AFP/Getty Images

Lahore, October 13 — Pakistan have made big changes to the squad for the second and third Tests against England. In addition to Babar Azam - whose omission ESPNcricinfo reported on Sunday - Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are also out. A PCB statement said it had "taken into account the current form and fitness of key players" before leaving out the three players for the remaining two Tests.

The decision to leave out arguably Pakistan's three highest-profile players is little short of stunning. Pakistan's chastening innings defeat after the first Test - following which captain Shan Masood criticised the bowling performance - was expected to result in several changes, though Masood and head coach Jason Gillespie called for continuity and asked players to be backed. However, the newly formed selection committee, announced on Friday, has gone the other way.

Aaqib Javed, one of the new selection committee appointees, hinted at the players' loss of form as a reason for their omission.

"We are confident that this break from international cricket will help these players regain their fitness, confidence and composure, ensuring they return in top shape for future challenges," he said. "They remain some of our finest talents with much more to contribute to Pakistan cricket. We are fully committed to supporting them during this period so they can come back even stronger."