Story perspectives

Hesson Appointed Pakistan Test Head Coach Before Third England Test

9/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Pakistan sent home seven players and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed before the third Test in England.
Pakistan lost first Test by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley and second by 194 runs at Lord’s.
Mike Hesson was appointed Pakistan’s new Test head coach, replacing Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Ashley Noffke replaced Umar Gul as Pakistan’s bowling coach.
Five uncapped players—Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Junior, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran, Razaullah—joined the squad.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 England lost a 2-0 Test series in Pakistan, prompting the PCB to consider a major overhaul of its coaching staff and senior lineup. After England’s 3-0 clean-sweep in Pakistan in December 2022 – the first on Pakistani soil, watched by 189,595 spectators – PCB reshuffled staff, and after recent tour defeats it dismissed captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and hired Mike Hesson.

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Story summary

Pakistan sent home seven players and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed before the third Test in England.
Pakistan lost first Test by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley and second by 194 runs at Lord’s.
Mike Hesson was appointed Pakistan’s new Test head coach, replacing Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Ashley Noffke replaced Umar Gul as Pakistan’s bowling coach.
Five uncapped players—Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Junior, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran, Razaullah—joined the squad.

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