Star Pakistan batter Babar Azam is set to be dropped from the playing XI for the second Test against England in Multan starting Tuesday (Oct 15). Shortly after England humbled Pakistan in the first game at the same venue by an inning and 47 runs, the newly formed selection committee met in Lahore on Friday (Oct 11), recommending Babar’s exclusion from the side for his betterment.

Per the latest reports, the selection committee, consisting of Aaqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, the former ICC umpire Aleem Dar and analyst Hassan Cheema, met again on Saturday in Multan, this time in the presence of PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/watch-sanju-samson-wreaks-havoc-in-hyderabad-with-066666-in-single-over-against-bangladesh-766911">WATCH: Sanju Samson wreaks havoc in Hyderabad with 0,6,6,6,6,6 in single over against Bangladesh</a>

Although Test captain Shan Masood backed Babar in the immediate aftermath of the defeat, calling him ‘Pakistan’s best batter’, with Test coach Jason Gillespie sharing the same sentiments, the selection committee collectively felt a break from international cricket would help Babar revive his form.&nbsp;

The former Pakistan captain hasn’t scored a Test fifty since December 2022, with his last hundred across formats coming more than a year ago against Nepal during the 2023 Asia Cup.

As first reported in ESPNcricinfo, the selectors travelled to Multan on Saturday alongside the coach and the captain, with PCB curator Tony Hemming also joining them. At the meeting, some mentors backed Babar to retain his spot in the playing XI, but the majority was against it.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, it remains unclear if Babar will return to playing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy beginning October 20, considering the right-handed batter has not participated in that first-class tournament since 2019.&nbsp;

<h2>Babar’s form a worry for him and Pakistan</h2>

Babar hasn’t played his best cricket in a very long time, with Pakistan facing subsequent challenges, the latest being losing a Test match on the flat Multan wicket against England.&nbsp;

Though the English pair of Joe Root and Harry Brook amassed 262 and 317 runs, respectively, in the only inning they batted in, Babar could score just 35 runs across two innings, beaten on the inside edge in the first inning and outside in the second.

It’s been 18 innings since Babar crossed a fifty-run mark, with his average reading just 21 in nine Tests since 2023.

Meanwhile, Babar is not the only one to face repercussions, with spinner Abrar Ahmed, who was hospitalised during the first Test, is highly unlikely to recover. The PCB is understood to be considering Noman Ali and Sajid Khan in his place. Besides, star seamer Shaheen Afridi might also miss the second Test. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Star Pakistan batter Babar Azam is set to be dropped from the playing XI for the second Test against England in Multan starting Tuesday (Oct 15). Shortly after England humbled Pakistan in the first game at the same venue by an inning and 47 runs, the newly formed selection committee met in Lahore on Friday (Oct 11), recommending Babar’s exclusion from the side for his betterment.

Star Pakistan batter Babar Azam is set to be dropped from the playing XI for the second Test against England in Multan starting Tuesday (Oct 15). Shortly after England humbled Pakistan in the first game at the same venue by an inning and 47 runs, the newly formed selection committee met in Lahore on Friday (Oct 11), recommending Babar’s exclusion from the side for his betterment. Per the latest reports, the selection committee, consisting of Aaqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, the former ICC umpire Aleem Dar and analyst Hassan Cheema, met again on Saturday in Multan, this time in the presence of PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. ALSO READ: WATCH: Sanju Samson wreaks havoc in Hyderabad with 0,6,6,6,6,6 in single over against Bangladesh Although Test captain Shan Masood backed Babar in the immediate aftermath of the defeat, calling him ‘Pakistan’s best batter’, with Test coach Jason Gillespie sharing the same sentiments, the selection committee collectively felt a break from international cricket would help Babar revive his form. The former Pakistan captain hasn’t scored a Test fifty since December 2022, with his last hundred across formats coming more than a year ago against Nepal during the 2023 Asia Cup. As first reported in ESPNcricinfo, the selectors travelled to Multan on Saturday alongside the coach and the captain, with PCB curator Tony Hemming also joining them. At the meeting, some mentors backed Babar to retain his spot in the playing XI, but the majority was against it. Meanwhile, it remains unclear if Babar will return to playing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy beginning October 20, considering the right-handed batter has not participated in that first-class tournament since 2019. Babar’s form a worry for him and Pakistan Babar hasn’t played his best cricket in a very long time, with Pakistan facing subsequent challenges, the latest being losing a Test match on the flat Multan wicket against England. Though the English pair of Joe Root and Harry Brook amassed 262 and 317 runs, respectively, in the only inning they batted in, Babar could score just 35 runs across two innings, beaten on the inside edge in the first inning and outside in the second. It’s been 18 innings since Babar crossed a fifty-run mark, with his average reading just 21 in nine Tests since 2023. Meanwhile, Babar is not the only one to face repercussions, with spinner Abrar Ahmed, who was hospitalised during the first Test, is highly unlikely to recover. The PCB is understood to be considering Noman Ali and Sajid Khan in his place. Besides, star seamer Shaheen Afridi might also miss the second Test. (With inputs from agencies)

PAK v ENG 2024: Babar Azam set to be dropped for second Test in Multan

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to add Test coach Jason Gillespie to the selection committee as the board continues to make changes after the T20 World Cup exit. Gillespie will join white-ball coach Gary Kirsten in the selection committee which collectively selects the squad for the Pakistan national team. While Gillespie’s inclusion will be a key factor in team selection, in another decision the players must play domestic cricket while their availability in the overseas franchise competition now hangs in the balance.

<h2>Jason Gillespie added to the selection committee</h2>

Having recently sacked Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the selection committee, speculations were high regarding the inclusion of Gillespie in the selection committee. Having taken charge of the side in April in the Test format, the former Australian speedster was considered to have a big say in the team’s selection process. Part of the process included him being part of the selection committee. The committee already included white-ball coach Kirsten and members from the local board.

According to a report from Espncricinfo, an announcement will be made soon to confirm the appointment of the former Australian speedster on the committee.

<h2>Other proposals on the agenda</h2>

According to the reports, the selection committee has made it compulsory for international players to play a certain amount of domestic matches to earn a central contract. Players therefore will have to make themselves available for domestic cricket when they are not in international action. While no number has been revealed on the number of domestic matches to be played, players will have to fulfil the criteria to earn a central contract.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/colombian-football-federation-president-ramon-jesurun-arrested-over-assault-on-officer-charge-741215">Colombian football federation President Ramon Jesurun arrested over 'assault on officer' charge</a>

The central contracts are set to be reduced to one year after three-year contracts were announced last year. However, the remuneration of the players will not be reduced for now.

Pakistan will host Bangladesh for two Tests, England for three Tests and West Indies for two Tests during the 2024-25 home season. Ahead of the grand home season which will also see them host the Champions Trophy that is likely to be played from February 19 to March 9 next year, PCB has officially appointed Australia's Tony Hemming as the head curator on a two-year contract.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to add Test coach Jason Gillespie to the selection committee as the board continues to make changes after the T20 World Cup exit.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to add Test coach Jason Gillespie to the selection committee as the board continues to make changes after the T20 World Cup exit. Gillespie will join white-ball coach Gary Kirsten in the selection committee which collectively selects the squad for the Pakistan national team. While Gillespie’s inclusion will be a key factor in team selection, in another decision the players must play domestic cricket while their availability in the overseas franchise competition now hangs in the balance. Jason Gillespie added to the selection committee Having recently sacked Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the selection committee, speculations were high regarding the inclusion of Gillespie in the selection committee. Having taken charge of the side in April in the Test format, the former Australian speedster was considered to have a big say in the team’s selection process. Part of the process included him being part of the selection committee. The committee already included white-ball coach Kirsten and members from the local board. According to a report from Espncricinfo, an announcement will be made soon to confirm the appointment of the former Australian speedster on the committee. Other proposals on the agenda According to the reports, the selection committee has made it compulsory for international players to play a certain amount of domestic matches to earn a central contract. Players therefore will have to make themselves available for domestic cricket when they are not in international action. While no number has been revealed on the number of domestic matches to be played, players will have to fulfil the criteria to earn a central contract. ALSO READ | Colombian football federation President Ramon Jesurun arrested over 'assault on officer' charge The central contracts are set to be reduced to one year after three-year contracts were announced last year. However, the remuneration of the players will not be reduced for now. Pakistan will host Bangladesh for two Tests, England for three Tests and West Indies for two Tests during the 2024-25 home season. Ahead of the grand home season which will also see them host the Champions Trophy that is likely to be played from February 19 to March 9 next year, PCB has officially appointed Australia's Tony Hemming as the head curator on a two-year contract.

Pakistan Cricket: Jason Gillespie added to PCB's selection committee as domestic cricket made compulsory

pcb-selection-committee

Pcb Selection Committee, News on Pcb Selection Committee, stories on Pcb Selection Committee, articles on Pcb Selection Committee, Pcb Selection Committee stories at Wion, Pcb Selection Committee news, Pcb Selection Committee latest news

pcb selection-committee

PAK v ENG 2024: Babar Azam set to be dropped for second Test in Multan

Pakistan Cricket: Jason Gillespie added to PCB's selection committee as domestic cricket made compulsory