The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a sweeping mid-tour overhaul of its Test squad and coaching staff following a crushing 194-run defeat to England at Lord's, which left the visitors trailing 0-2 in the three-match series.
The board released seven players from the touring party, including Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.
Seven new players were also called up ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston, including five uncapped talents. These names feature Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran, and Razaullah.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board has today announced that seven players have been released from the Test squad following completion of the Lord’s Test. A total of seven replacements have been named including five uncapped players at Test level and two capped players,” the PCB said in its statement.
“Among the players announced as replacements, batters 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 four other players are left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jnr, wicketkeeper-batter and player of the tournament of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 Saad Baig, right-arm pace bowling all-rounders Mohammad Imran (also known as Imran Randhawa) and Razaullah,” the PCB added.
The PCB also took the unprecedented step of overhauling its coaching staff. Red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were relieved of their duties.
White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will take over the backroom responsibilities for the remainder of the England tour.
“Additionally, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul have also been released and will be replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke in the backroom staff,” the PCB said.
Cricket fraternity was left baffled by the major shake-up midway through the Test series and slammed the Pakistan board on social media.
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