Pakistan have decided to make major changes after losing the Test series against England. They have sacked head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and sent seven players home before the third Test at Edgbaston. The decision comes after a 194-run defeat at Lord’s confirmed a 2-0 series loss.
Mike Hesson, the New Zealander who currently runs Pakistan’s white-ball teams, will replace Sarfaraz as head coach. Bowling coach Umar Gul has also been replaced by Australian Ashley Noffke. Five of the seven players being sent home are uncapped. Only Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal have Test experience.
Among those discarded are Salman Ali Agha, who captained the team in the first Test but was dropped at Lord’s. Opener Imam-ul-Haq has also been sent back after criticism for not batting in the second Test due to a calf strain. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, spinner Ali Usman, and seamer Khurram Shahzad are also being sent home. Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Zafar, who had not featured in the tour, are also leaving.
Pakistan have failed to pass 200 in any of their four innings in the series. Their fielding has also been poor. The only bright spot has been 36-year-old Mohammad Abbas, who took nine wickets but received little support. The PCB also complained to broadcaster Sky Sports during the second Test after an interview with Imran Khan’s sons was aired.
Pakistan have now made sweeping changes in an attempt to salvage something from the tour. The third Test begins on September 9 at Edgbaston. It will be a chance for the new-look squad to show what they can do. The changes are a clear sign that the management is not happy with the team’s performance. They are looking to rebuild and move forward. The players coming in will have an opportunity to make an impression.
Pakistan Revamp Squad for Third Test: Seven Players Dropped as Mike Hesson Takes Charge
Pakistan have made sweeping changes to their squad during the ongoing Test series against England. The decision came after they lost the first two matches, with the second defeat at Lord’s confirming England’s series victory. The PCB has released seven players and made changes to the coaching staff ahead of the third Test.
The seven players released include Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad. Imam was released after missing the Lord’s Test due to a calf injury. Salman Ali Agha, who captained the side in the first Test, has also been dropped. The other four players complete the list.
In their place, Pakistan have called up seven players. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal have Test experience, with eight and two appearances, respectively. The other five players, including wicketkeeper Saad Baig, are yet to make their Test debuts. Baig won the Player of the Tournament award in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 season.
The PCB has also changed the coaching staff. Sarfaraz Ahmed has been removed as head coach and Umar Gul as bowling coach. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson will now take charge, with Ashley Noffke appointed as the new bowling coach.
The drastic changes follow Pakistan’s poor performances in the series. They failed to score 200 runs in any of their four innings across the two Tests. Their batting has been a serious concern, and their fielding has been abject at times. The bowling attack has relied heavily on Mohammad Abbas.
The updated squad for the third Test is led by Babar Azam. It includes Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, and Ubaid Shah.
The third and final Test will be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9 to 13. England have already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead. Pakistan will be playing for pride in the final match. The live telecast will be available on the Sony Sports Network, with streaming on SonyLIV.
FAQs
Q. Why did Pakistan make major squad changes?
A. The changes followed their 2-0 Test series loss.
Q. Who replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed as Pakistan’s head coach?
A. Mike Hesson replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach.
Q. How many players were released before the third Test?
A. Pakistan released seven players before the third Test.
Q. Who became Pakistan’s new bowling coach?
A. Australian Ashley Noffke replaced Umar Gul as bowling coach.
Q. When and where is the third Test?
A. The third Test starts September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
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