The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made major changes to the Test squad ahead of the third and final Test against England, releasing seven players and two members of the coaching staff.
The PCB announced on Monday that Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad have been released from the Pakistan Test squad.
The changes come after Pakistan suffered a heavy 194-run defeat against England in the second Test at Lord’s, leaving the visitors 2-0 down in the three-match series.
England had earlier won the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs.
PCB names seven replacements
The PCB has called up seven players for the third Test in Birmingham. The replacements include five uncapped players, while two have previously represented Pakistan in Test cricket.
Among the players joining the squad are Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have played eight and two Tests for Pakistan respectively.
Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas has also been included. He has represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is.
The other four replacements are left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jnr, wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig, right-arm pace-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Imran, also known as Imran Randhawa, and right-arm pace-bowling all-rounder Razaullah.
Saad Baig was named Player of the Tournament in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26.
All seven replacements will join the Pakistan squad ahead of the third Test against England in Birmingham.
Sarfaraz Ahmed, Umar Gul also released
The PCB has also released Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul from the team’s backroom staff.
They will be replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke ahead of the Birmingham Test.
The changes come as Pakistan look to avoid a series whitewash against England after disappointing performances in the first two Tests.
Pakistan Test squad for Birmingham
Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.
