Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Pakistan Overhaul Test Squad After England Seals Series
Pakistan lost both of its first two Test matches against England.
England now leads the series 2-0, so it has already won the series.
Pakistan lost the first match heavily at Headingley and the second match by 194 runs at Lord’s.
Before the final match, Pakistan sent seven players home.
The team also released head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul.
Seven replacement players were called up, including Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal.
Five of the replacements have not played Test cricket.
Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will coach Pakistan in the final match at Edgbaston.
Babar Azam remains Pakistan’s captain.
Pakistan released Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha and four other players before the third Test.
Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also released after Pakistan’s 194-run loss at Lord’s.
England leads the three-match series 2-0 after Pakistan also lost the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs.
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal and five uncapped Test players were added to Pakistan’s squad for Edgbaston.
Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will take over Pakistan’s coaching duties for the third Test, beginning September 9.
- Who
- The Pakistan Cricket Board, Pakistan’s Test squad, seven released players, seven replacements and coaches Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul.
- What
- Pakistan made a major mid-tour change to its Test squad and coaching staff before the third Test against England.
- When
- The changes were announced after the Lord’s Test and before the third Test, scheduled to begin September 9.
- Where
- The second Test was played at Lord’s in London, and the third Test is scheduled for Edgbaston.
- Why
- The changes followed Pakistan’s heavy defeats in the first two Tests, including a 194-run loss at Lord’s and an unassailable 2-0 series deficit.
Case for the overhaul
Case for continuity
Responding to poor results
Case for the overhaul
The changes are presented as a response to two heavy defeats, including the 194-run loss at Lord’s and England’s 2-0 series-clinching lead.
Case for continuity
Replacing seven players and two coaches during a tour removes continuity before the final Test, even though the series is already decided.
Fresh players versus experience
Case for the overhaul
The new selections give opportunities to Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal and five players who are uncapped in Test cricket.
Case for continuity
The overhaul sends established players such as Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha home while placing responsibility on less experienced replacements.
Handling senior players
Case for the overhaul
Babar Azam retained the captaincy, while players including Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel and Azan Awais remained in the squad.
Case for continuity
Prominent players were omitted despite prior roles in the team; Rizwan’s batting returns were criticized, while Imam’s injury and subsequent throwdowns drew public scrutiny.
- Series position
- England leads the three-match series 2-0.
- First-Test result
- England beat Pakistan at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs.
- Second-Test result
- England beat Pakistan at Lord’s by 194 runs.
- Players released
- Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.
- Coaches released
- Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul.
- Replacement players
- Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Saad Baig, Muhammad Randhawa or Mohammad Imran Randhawa, Razaullah and Muhammad Imran Jnr.
- Third-Test venue
- Edgbaston, beginning September 9.
Sources
Pakistan drop 7 players, release coaches after Lord’s Test loss to England
Rizwan, Imam among 7 players sent back home by PCB ahead of 3rd England Test
Pakistan axe seven players and coach Sarfaraz after 2-0 England Test defeat ahead of Edgbaston