"You've done wonders...": Hasan Ali's remarkable reaction to Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah's snub

Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali has rallied behind his teammates Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah after their shocking exclusion from the Test squad in the ongoing three-match Test series against England.

On Sunday, October 13, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made the surprising announcement of dropping Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah, along with veteran wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed, from the Test squad for the remaining two games against England.

Hasan Ali sends encouraging message to Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah after PCB drops them for England Test series

The PCB stated that they are "rested" for the remainder of the England Test series. Hasan Ali quickly took to his social media handle to send a heartfelt message of encouragement to his teammates after they were overlooked for the national selection in the middle of the crucial three-match Test series against the England cricket team at home.

In his powerful message, the seasoned Pakistani pacer highlighted Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah’s past contributions to Pakistan cricket, reassuring fans and teammates that this setback would only ignite a fierce comeback from the trio into the international arena.

Hasan Ali urged Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah to stay strong despite the challenges. He praised their achievements for Pakistan and emphasized that their setbacks would only pave the way for a powerful comeback to the national side. Hasan also mentioned that the trio’s belief in themselves would help them come back stronger in the future.

Tough times only make comebacks sweeter: Hasan Ali

Hasan Ali posted on X: “Tough times only make comebacks sweeter! My brothers, you’re champions! You’ve done wonders for Pakistan and will continue to do so. Keep believing, and you’ll be back stronger than ever, Inshallah!”

Tough times only make comebacks sweeter!

My brothers, you're champions! You've done wonders for Pakistan and will continue do so. Keep believing and you'll be back stronger than ever, Inshallah! 🇵🇰

— Hassan Ali 🇵🇰 (@RealHa55an) October 13, 2024

Meanwhile, the PCB, in an official press release, said that the Pakistan selectors have decided to give rest to Babar Azam, Naseem, Sarfaraz, and Shaheen Afridi, given their current form and looking ahead to Pakistan’s future assignments in the 2024-25 season.

We are confident that this break will help them regain their form: Aaqib Javed

The board also confirmed that Abrar Ahmed, who is recovering from dengue fever, was not fit for the selection for the next two Tests against England at home. Babar, Naseem, Sarfaraz, Shaheen and Abrar have been replaced by Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Ali, and Sajid Khan. They are all uncapped players.

On the other hand, Noman Ali and Zahid Mahmood, who were initially part of the original first Test squad but were subsequently released, have also been included in the squad for the remainder of the Test series against England.

Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed stated: “Keeping in mind Pakistan’s demanding 2024-25 international schedule and in the best interest of Pakistan cricket, we’ve made the decision to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. We are confident that this break from international cricket will help these players regain their fitness, confidence, and composure, ensuring they return in top shape for future challenges."