Sports Desk: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made sweeping changes to the Pakistan Test squad for the England series, releasing seven players and calling up seven replacements ahead of the third and final Test in Birmingham.
The squad reshuffle comes after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat against England in the second Test at Lord’s, handing the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Pakistan vs England Test series.
Pakistan had also endured a heavy defeat in the opening Test at Headingley, losing by an innings and 103 runs.
PCB Releases Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha
The PCB has released Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha from the Test squad, along with Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.
The move represents a major overhaul of Pakistan’s Test squad as the team prepares for the final match of the series.
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal Return to Test Squad
The PCB has recalled Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have eight and two Test appearances respectively.
Five uncapped players have also been added to the Pakistan Test squad, including:
Arafat Minhas, Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder who has represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is.
Mohammad Imran Jr., Left-arm fast bowler.
Saad Baig, Wicketkeeper-batter and Player of the Tournament in the 2025-26 Quaid-i-Azam Trophy.
Mohammad Imran (Imran Randhawa), Right-arm pace-bowling all-rounder.
Razaullah, Right-arm pace-bowling all-rounder.
The newly selected players will join the Pakistan team ahead of the third Test against England, which is scheduled to be played in Birmingham on September 9.
Pakistan Test Coaching Staff Reshuffled
The PCB has also announced changes to the Pakistan Test coaching staff.
Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been relieved of their duties. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke will take up responsibilities within the Test team’s backroom staff.
Updated Pakistan Test Squad for Birmingham
Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jr., Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.
