Pakistan captain
Addressing the media following Pakistan's 194-run defeat on Sunday, the skipper dismissed the claims when questioned by BBC Test Match Special. When asked directly if there had been any internal discussions about staging a protest or delaying the resumption of play, Babar responded clearly, stating he had no knowledge of any such conversations.
Clarifying the off-field controversy
The reports had suggested that the
Babar’s denial aligns with earlier comments made by head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, who also maintained that neither he nor the playing squad were aware of any potential threat to the match's continuity. This backdrop of tension follows reports that the PCB, under the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi, had issued a directive to players to avoid making political statements during their tour of the United Kingdom.
England secure series victory
While the off-field narrative dominated headlines, the focus eventually shifted to the action on the field, where England secured a dominant 194-run victory. The result handed the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, marking their first Test series win since December 2024.
Chasing a target of 389 for victory, Pakistan were dismissed for 194. Saud Shakeel provided the primary resistance for the visitors, finishing unbeaten on 97, falling just three runs short of a century. Pakistan’s efforts were further hampered by the absence of opener Imam-ul-Haq, who was unable to bat after sustaining a calf injury while fielding on the first day. The two sides are now set to travel to Birmingham for the final Test of the series, which is scheduled to begin at Edgbaston on September 9.
