Lahore, August 31, 2026: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday released seven players and two coaches from the national Test squad ahead of the third and final Test against England in Birmingham.
The players released from the squad are Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad, according to a PCB statement.
The board has named seven replacements, including five uncapped players and two players with Test experience, as Pakistan look to make changes following a disappointing start to the three-match series.
Among the replacements, Saim Ayub has represented Pakistan in eight Tests, while Abdullah Fazal has played two Tests. Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas 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 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
The changes come a day after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat against England in the second Test at Lord’s. The result gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series after the hosts won the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs.
The PCB has also released former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul from their respective roles in the Test team’s backroom staff.
They will be replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke ahead of the Birmingham Test.
The newly selected players and coaching staff will join the Pakistan squad ahead of the third Test, with the national side facing the prospect of ending the series without a win.
Updated Pakistan Test squad
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.
