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'That's Pakistan's Issue' - Ben Stokes On Babar, Shaheen’s Exclusion For 2nd Test

Ben Stokes refuses to comment on  PCB Dropping Babar & Shaheen [Source: @_FaridKhan/X.com]Ben Stokes refuses to comment on  PCB Dropping Babar & Shaheen [Source: @_FaridKhan/X.com]

England captain Ben Stokes is back in the squad for the second Test against Pakistan, scheduled to begin tomorrow in Multan. Stokes missed the opening Test of the three-match series due to a torn hamstring he sustained in August, which left him unfit to play. However, with his recovery now complete, he is ready to take the field once again.  

During a press conference, Stokes reflected on his journey back from injury. 

“I like to keep myself in a positive mindset and it allows me telling myself, ‘When you get back onto the field, make sure that you’re fitter than you were when you got injured," he said. 

Stokes emphasised his dedication to the game, stating, “You won’t see me miss any Test match unless I’m injured.”  

The focus wasn’t just on Stokes’ return — the absence of Pakistan's star trio, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah, also grabbed attention. All three were dropped from the squad on Sunday following Pakistan’s crushing defeat in the first Test.  

When asked about their exclusion, Stokes kept his response brief: “That’s just a Pakistan Cricket issue.” The decision to bench Babar, Pakistan’s former captain, along with the voluntary withdrawal of fast bowlers Shaheen and Naseem, signals major changes in Pakistan’s strategy for the remainder of the series.  

Stokes also touched on England’s aggressive playing style, often referred to as “Bazball,” under his captaincy and coach Brendon McCullum’s guidance. 

“We always try and play to make sure there’s a result,” Stokes explained. He added that at times, the team takes unconventional risks to keep the game alive, so both teams have a chance to win. 

Pakistan's Bold Move Ahead Of Second Test  

The exclusion of Babar Azam, who has never missed a Test in his 54-match career, came as a surprise. The official word is that Babar has been "rested," but the decision hints at a shift in Pakistan’s approach after their poor performance.  

Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have decided to withdraw from the remaining two Tests, possibly prioritising fitness and future series. Their absence leaves Pakistan with a big challenge, as they face a confident England side ready to build on their first-Test win.  

Pakistan's playing XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (C), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Agha Salman, Aamir Jamal, Zahid Mehmood, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali

England's playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, ⁠Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith, ⁠Brydon Carse, Matt Potts, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir