Pakistan changes 'most shocking ever' - Afridi

Pakistan's decision to make wholesale changes to their squad and coaching set-up during the series in England has been branded the "most shocking decision ever by a selection committee" by former captain Shahid Afridi.

The tourists have dropped seven players and called up five uncapped players, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul have been replaced by Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australia seamer Ashley Noffke.

Pakistan, who were thrashed in the opening two Tests, face England in the third and final match of the series at Edgbaston, starting on Wednesday, 9 September.

"Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision!", Afridi wrote on social media.

"Even the replacements make no sense - T20 players have been included for a Test match in England?

"What is this thinking and approach? Why has the coach been axed after five Test matches?

"This is the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee which includes so many experienced selectors."

Five of the players dropped - Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad - have featured in the series so far, while Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Jafar have been sent home without playing.