KARACHI: A reported selection dispute has emerged as a possible reason behind the sudden removal of Pakistan Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, according to sports journalist Abdul Majid Bhatti.
Bhatti claimed that many journalists focused on the removal of Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul but did not investigate the reasons behind the decision.
According to the journalist, Sarfaraz allegedly received a message from Aaqib Javed regarding the playing XI for the Lord’s Test. The reported instructions included playing Ubaid Shah or Aamer Jamal and dropping wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan to hand Ghazi Ghori his Test debut.
Bhatti further claimed that Sarfaraz discussed the matter with Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who reportedly refused to accept the proposed changes.
According to the report, Babar told Sarfaraz that he would take the field with Mohammad Rizwan and Khurram Shahzad.
Bhatti said the disagreement reportedly led to tensions within the team management, and Sarfaraz was subsequently removed from his coaching role after the Lord’s Test.
The claims have not been independently verified, and the report does not include an official response from Sarfaraz Ahmed, Babar Azam or the Pakistan Cricket Board.