Full Breakdown
Pakistan Overhauls Squad and Coaching Staff Ahead of Final Test in England
9/1/2026, 2:31:36 AM
Series Defeat Triggers Massive Changes
Pakistan’s tour of England has been marked by two one-sided defeats. The visitors were bowled out for less than 200 runs in each of their four innings and lost the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs, followed by a 194-run loss in the second Test. The 2-0 series deficit left the team with no chance of winning the three-match series and set the stage for an unprecedented mid-tour restructuring.
PCB’s Immediate Response
In a rapid response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the dismissal of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. New Zealand coach Mike Hesson, who had been overseeing Pakistan’s white-ball sides, was appointed as the new Test head coach, while former Australian seamer Ashley Noffke was added as bowling coach.
Seven players were sent home: wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan, opener Imam-ul-Haq (who missed the second Test with a low-grade calf strain), former stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha, spinner Ali Usman, seamer Khurram Shahzad, and the uncapped squad members Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Zafar.
Revised Squad Composition
The PCB named a 16-member squad for the third Test at Edgbaston. Retaining captain Babar Azam, the side includes experienced batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, and introduces five uncapped players: spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas, left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jr, wicket-keeper Saad Baig, all-rounder Mohammad Imran (also known as Imran Randhawa), and bowler Razaullah. The full list is: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghari (wk), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.
Data & Statistics
- Series score: England 2, Pakistan 0.
- Margins of defeat: innings + 103 runs (first Test) and 194 runs (second Test).
- Pakistan’s total runs in four innings: under 200 each time.
- Players dropped after featuring in the series: five (Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Agha, Usman, Shahzad).
- New call-ups: five uncapped players plus two with limited Test experience (Ayub, Fazal).
Official Statements & Responses
The PCB released a statement explaining that the changes were intended to “reset the team’s approach” ahead of the final Test. It noted that Hesson, who had been Pakistan’s white-ball head coach since last year, would now lead the Test side, and that Noffke would provide specialist bowling support. The board also highlighted the inclusion of young talent as a “long-term investment” to restore competitiveness.
Criticism & Opposition
Former Pakistan captain and ex-PCB chairman Ramiz Raja expressed strong reservations, describing the move as a “panic button” that could undermine player confidence. He questioned the guarantee of improved results, especially given the number of uncapped players thrust into a high-pressure environment.
What’s Next
The third and final Test of the series is scheduled to begin at Edgbaston on September 9. Pakistan will seek to avoid a 3-0 whitewash while the newly assembled squad makes its debut on English soil. The PCB has indicated that the team will also attend a brief audience with King Charles at Clarence House during the tour, though the composition of the delegation remains unclear.
