Key Takeaways
- Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released seven players, including Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, after the second Test defeat.
- The replacements include five uncapped players and two capped players, with Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal among the new additions.
- Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have also been relieved of their duties.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the release of seven players from the Test squad following Pakistan's 2-0 series loss to England in the ongoing three-match series. The decision was made after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat in the second Test at Lord's, with the hosts taking an unassailable 2-0 lead.
The players released include Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad. The PCB has named seven replacements, including Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have played eight and two Tests respectively. Among the uncapped players are Arafat Minhas, a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder, and Mohammad Imran Jr., a left-arm fast bowler.
The replacements also include Saad Baig, a wicketkeeper-batter who was named player of the tournament in the 2025-26 Quaid-i-Azam Trophy, and right-arm pace-bowling all-rounders Mohammad Imran and Razaullah. The PCB stated that the seven replacements will join the squad ahead of the third Test against England in Birmingham, scheduled for September 9.
In addition to the player changes, the PCB has also announced changes to the backroom staff. Sarfaraz Ahmed, who has been the Test head coach, and Umar Gul, the bowling coach, have been relieved of their duties. Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul will be replaced by white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke on the backroom staff.
The decision to release these players comes after Pakistan suffered their ninth defeat in their last 10 overseas Tests, with the second Test at Lord's being particularly humiliating. England's victory in the second Test was their first Test series win in two years, marking a significant turnaround in their fortunes.
The third and final Test of the series will take place in Birmingham, with the new squad expected to perform better under the guidance of the new coaching staff. The PCB's decision to make these changes is seen as a step towards rebuilding the team and improving their performance in future series.
The PCB's statement emphasized the need for a fresh approach and the importance of bringing in new talent to the squad. The replacements are expected to bring a fresh perspective and energy to the team, with the hope of turning the tide in future matches.
