Pakistan ax 7 players in major shake-up after England Test series humiliation

Pakistan responded to their Test series humiliation by England with a major overhaul, dropping seven players from the squad ahead of the third and final Test in Birmingham.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad have been sent home after the Lord’s Test. Changes will come later England sealed a 2-0 series lead with a 194 run victory at Lord’s.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced that seven players have been released from the Test squad following the completion of the Lord’s Test,” the PCB said in a statement on Monday.

The decision represents a major reset for a Pakistan side that struggled with the bat during the series. They were bowled out for 110 in their first innings at Lord’s and, chasing 389, failed to mount a serious challenge, eventually being dismissed for 194.

The PCB has brought in seven replacements, including five players who are yet to make their Test debut. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal return with Test experience while Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah have been added to the squad.

SARFARAZ, GUL ALSO AXED AS PCB GOES FOR RESET

The changes go beyond the player squad. Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have also been relieved of their duties.

They will be replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke, who will take on the behind-the-scenes staff of the test team for the final match. Hesson is already Pakistan’s head white-ball coach, while Noffke works with the national set-up.

The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. Pakistan entered the England series with Babar Azam as captain, but two heavy defeats have now prompted major changes before the series is even over.

The final test starts in Birmingham on September 9 and gives the new team an immediate opportunity to respond.

For Pakistan, it is no longer just about avoiding a 3-0 series defeat. The PCB has made it clear that Lord’s humiliation has consequences and the overhaul could mark the start of a much wider overhaul of the Test setup.

Updated Test Team for Birmingham Test

Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (keeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig, Saadjidkeel-keeper, Sajidkeel-keeper Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

31 Aug 2026 22:41 IST