Babar Azam is set to be dropped for Pakistan's second Test against England, according to reports.
A report from ESPNCricinfo on Sunday (October 13) states that the Pakistan star is likely to be left out of the second match of the three-Test series against England in Multan, following a chastening innings defeat at the same venue in the first Test.
Babar scored 30 & 5 in the first Test, and has been in a wretched run of form in Test cricket of late. It has now been 18 innings since he scored a half-century, and patience among several groups has started to wear thin.
The report mentions that this decision was taken by Pakistan's newly formed selection panel of Asad Shafiq, Aaqib Javed, Azhar Ali, Aleem Dar and Hassan Cheema. Captain Shan Masood and head coach Jason Gillespie are also part of the panel but were reportedly not present for the latest meeting.
Dar, Javed and Azhar Ali were all appointed to the panel just two days ago in the aftermath of the Multan defeat and following the resignation of Mohammad Yousuf.
Babar's axing would come on the back of a turbulent year for Pakistan cricket, of which the former skipper has been a central part. He resigned as Pakistan's captain last year, before being swiftly reinstated in the white-ball formats, taking over from Shaheen Shah Afridi. However, Babar stepped down for a second time earlier this month, not long after Pakistan's disastrous campaign in the T20 World Cup, which he led.
It is not yet clear whether Babar will take part in this season of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan's domestic first-class competition, which begins later this month. His replacement in the side is also not confirmed but could be the uncapped Kamran Ghulam, who averages nearly 50 in first-class cricket.
Pakistan are also likely to be without spinner Abrar Ahmed who missed days four and five of the first Test due to a fever which saw him hospitalised. Opener Saim Ayub could also be under pressure regarding his spot in the side, thanks to his poor overall form in Test cricket.
The second Test between Pakistan and England begins on October 15.
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