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'Tough Times, Sweeter Comebacks' - Hasan Ali Supports Babar Azam, Shaheen After Test Axing

Hasan Ali motivates Babar Azam after he was dropped from Test team (@IM_BIRAT_/X.com)Hasan Ali motivates Babar Azam after he was dropped from Test team (@IM_BIRAT_/X.com)

Experienced Pakistani pacer Hasan Ali has voiced strong support for Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah after the trio was dropped from the national team for the remaining two Tests of the ongoing series against England. PCB announced the decision on October 13, citing a combination of the players' recent form and fitness concerns as the basis for giving them a rest.

After an innings and 47-run defeat in the first Test against England in Multan, PCB vowed to make tough calls to uplift dying Pakistan cricket. A new selection committee was formed headed by former umpire Aleem Dar. 

The selection committee proposed the immediate sacking of three seniors, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah, over form and fitness issues. The suggestions were approved as PCB dropped these three players for the Test squad announced for the remainder of the series.

Hasan Ali comes out in support of Babar Azam, Shaheen, Naseem

Meanwhile, this decision sparked significant debate in Pakistan, given the importance of these three players. Babar Azam, often hailed as one of Pakistan's greatest batters, has been struggling with form, leading to his exclusion, a move that surprised many. Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, both critical to Pakistan's bowling attack, were also rested due to fitness concerns.

Following this announcement, Hasan Ali expressed solidarity with his "brothers" Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem. In a tweet that went viral, Hasan stated that difficult times make comebacks sweeter, encouraging the trio to keep believing in themselves. He praised their contributions to Pakistan cricket and predicted that they would return stronger.

Notably, Hasan Ali is himself out of the national set up due to inconsistency and lack of impact as a pacer. Still, he stood by his former teammates who are going to the toughest phase of their respective careers.

Selectors vetoed Shan Masood's plea to retain Babar Azam

Reporter Arfa Feroz Zake from Pakistan claimed that captain Shan Masood supported Babar Azam to the very end. He suggested retaining him for the second and third Test against England. However, the new selection committee made up their mind and overruled Masood's authority to sack not only Babar but also Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah.