Babar Azam with King Charles III

Pakistan’s cricket team was caught up in more controversy after players who had been dropped from the Test squad were told to attend a meeting with King Charles III at Clarence House.According to a report from The Telegraph, the Pakistan Cricket Board reportedly wanted to avoid an awkwardly small turnout after making major changes to the touring squad. One other dropped player even refused to attend in protest.

Dropped players still attend royal meeting

Seven players and several coaches were removed from the touring group following Pakistan’s defeats to England at Lord’s and Headingley. Despite being dropped, players were reportedly instructed to attend the royal engagement.Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad and Muhammad Awais Zafar attended the meeting, although players had reportedly preferred to stay away because of the turmoil within the team.King Charles spoke with the players and officials and offered encouragement during a difficult tour. Pakistan captain Babar Azam presented him with a signed bat, while PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also gave the King a gift.Naqvi described the meeting as positive and said the King praised Pakistan’s contribution to peace.

Turmoil continues around Pakistan team

The royal meeting came during a major shake-up in Pakistan cricket. The team faced further controversy at Lord’s when it threatened not to return after lunch if an interview with the sons of former captain and prime minister Imran Khan was broadcast.The interview aired, but Pakistan returned to the field before losing the match. The defeat was followed by the removal of seven players and coaches, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was sacked.New Zealander Mike Hesson has since been brought in to lead the team for the remainder of the series.