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The squad restructuring saw seven players and several members of the coaching staff removed from the group in the wake of defeats against England at Lord’s and Headingley. Despite their exclusion from the active playing roster, several of the affected individuals were instructed to participate in the event. While some players reportedly expressed a preference to remain away from the public eye given the team's current instability, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, and Muhammad Awais Zafar were among those who attended the meeting.
Royal engagement amidst team restructuring
During the visit, King Charles III met with the players and officials, offering words of encouragement as the team navigates a difficult period. Captain
The royal visit occurred against a backdrop of significant turbulence for the touring side. The team had previously been embroiled in controversy at Lord’s, where they reportedly threatened to boycott the resumption of play following a lunch break if an interview featuring the sons of former captain and prime minister Imran Khan was broadcast. Although the interview proceeded as planned, the team eventually returned to the field, only to suffer a defeat that precipitated the subsequent removal of seven players and coaches. Among the major changes, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was dismissed, with New Zealander Mike Hesson appointed to lead the squad for the remainder of the series.
