Big shakeup in Pakistan cricket after Lord’s defeat: Seven players, coaches Sarfaraz, Gul sacked

ByTech Word News

Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and captain Babar Azam (AFP photo) Pakistan responded to their crushing 194-run defeat by England at Lord’s with a massive mid-tour overhaul, sacking seven players and making changes to the red-ball coaching staff ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston.The Pakistan Cricket Board announced the changes on Monday after Pakistan slumped to a 0-2 deficit in the three-match series. The defeat at Lord’s followed an innings and 103-run loss at Leeds, leaving Pakistan with five defeats in their last six Tests.Among the seven dismissed players are former white-ball captain Salman Ali Agha, batsman Mohammad Rizwan and opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq. Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were also released.“The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced that seven players have been released from the Test squad following the completion of the Lord’s Test. A total of seven replacements have been named, including five uncapped players at Test level and two restricted players,” the PCB said in a statement.

Substitutes include Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal

The Board brought in seven replacements, including Test batsmen Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, along with left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas.Saim played eight Tests for Pakistan while Abdullah featured in two. Minhas has represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is.“Among the players announced as replacements, batsmen Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal have played eight and two Tests respectively, while left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas has represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is,” the PCB said.Four uncapped players at Test level – left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jnr, wicket-keeper batsman Saad Baig and all-rounders Mohammad Imran, also known as Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah – were also added to the squad.“The four other players are left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jnr, wicket-keeper batsman and Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 Player of the Tournament Saad Baig, all-rounders Mohammad Imran (also known as Imran Randhawa) and Razaullah,” the PCB added.

Sarfaraz Ahmed, Umar Gul also released

The changes go beyond the playing staff, Red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have also been relieved of their duties.White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will take over behind-the-scenes responsibilities for the remainder of the England tour.“In addition, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul have also been released and will be replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke in the backcourt,” PCB said.The overhaul follows the increasing control of several players after defeating the Lord. Imam came under fire after missing both the innings due to a calf injury sustained on the opening day. His performance on the field in warm-up on the fourth morning attracted further attention.Rizwan’s position also came under pressure after another difficult outing with the bat. His dismissal in the second innings, when he was trapped lbw in an attempt at trouble, added to the questions over his place.Pakistan will now look to salvage something from the series when they take on England in the third Test at Edgbaston from September 9.

  • Updated Pakistan Test squad for Birmingham Test: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Razaullah, Sajimhany Baja, Razaullah, Sajimhanad Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.