As England aims to build on their momentum from the first test victory, Pakistan faces upheaval following drastic team changes.

The second Test between England and Pakistan promises to be as unpredictable as its predecessor, even before a ball is bowled. Following England’s comprehensive win by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made startling decisions that underscore the turmoil surrounding the host nation. In a shocking turn of events, Pakistan has dropped their star player and former captain, Babar Azam, along with two premier seamers, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, for the remaining matches in the series. This upheaval adds to the chaos that has engulfed the team in recent weeks.

With the PCB recently overhauling its selection panel, a new group of decision-makers convened in Lahore and later in Multan, seeking to address the disarray within the ranks. Among the discussions were crucial conversations involving Jason Gillespie, the team’s coach, and Shan Masood, the captain, whose position remains precarious as the pressure mounts.

The official reasoning for the players’ exclusion cites the need for rest, particularly for Babar, who has struggled with form, averaging just 20.70 over his past 17 innings. Aqib Javed, a member of the selection committee, expressed hope that this break would allow the players to regain their fitness and composure. “They remain some of our finest talents with much more to contribute to Pakistani cricket,” Javed stated, as the team grapples with the implications of such bold moves.

The backdrop to this disarray is equally turbulent. The final schedule for England’s tour was not confirmed until late September when the PCB abandoned plans to hold the second Test at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi due to ongoing reconstruction work. Instead, the game has been shifted to Multan, where the pitch used in the first Test is likely to be reused, a decision that has stirred controversy amid calls for change from various stakeholders.

Further complicating matters, political unrest continues to plague the country. The Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by the imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan, has called for a significant protest in Islamabad, threatening the stability of the region and the scheduling of the third Test, set to commence in Rawalpindi on October 24. The arrest of numerous PTI leaders and the government’s crackdown on dissent have heightened tensions, leading to concerns that even the location of the third Test may be in jeopardy.

Currently, Multan remains the only viable venue, with the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore also undergoing renovations. Government representatives have approached Imran Khan in an attempt to delay protests until after the third Test, with the PCB expected to announce further decisions by Wednesday.

With the instability surrounding both the Pakistan team and the broader political landscape, England enters the second Test with renewed confidence, keen to capitalise on their previous success and secure a series win. The uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s lineup and the potential for disruption off the field adds a layer of intrigue as the teams prepare to clash once again.