Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat in the second Test, handing England an unassailable lead in the three-match series. Shortly after the loss, the PCB removed head coach Sarfraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, appointing white-ball coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke to their respective roles for the remainder of the tour.

The board also made sweeping changes to the playing squad, dropping seven players—including experienced campaigners Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha—and replacing them with five players, most of whom are uncapped.

Speaking ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston, Babar said he was informed of the decisions only after they had been made.

“It was news to me as well. I found out about the changes later,” the Pakistan captain told reporters.

According to reports, the decisions were made by the national selection panel rather than the team management. PCB High-Performance Director and selector Aaqib Javed later stated that the coaching staff was removed because they had failed to make certain selection decisions before the second Test.

While the PCB retained Babar as captain for the series finale, he made it clear that the decisions belonged solely to the board.

“As captain and as a player, my responsibility is to respect and implement the decisions made by the PCB,” Babar said. “The board must have taken these steps after careful consideration, so they are in the best position to explain the reasons behind them.”

Babar also denied having any knowledge of the PCB’s reported internal investigation into disciplinary matters involving certain members of the squad.

Focus Turns to the Final Test

Despite a turbulent week off the field, Babar insisted the team's attention is now firmly on the final Test, where several young players could be handed an opportunity to impress.

Uncapped fast bowler Razaullah and all-rounder Arafat Minhas are in contention to make their Test debuts, while opener Saim Ayub is expected to return to the playing XI.

Babar believes the fresh faces should view the situation as a chance to establish themselves at the highest level.

“The newcomers have a golden opportunity to prove themselves and make an impact,” he said.

With the series already lost, Babar believes Pakistan can play without pressure and finish the tour on a positive note.

“The result of the series is already decided, so we have nothing to lose. We can play with freedom, back ourselves and enjoy the challenge,” he said.

The captain added that the team has spent the last few days training and rebuilding confidence, noting that the arrival of younger players has brought renewed energy and enthusiasm to the dressing room ahead of the final Test.