Pakistan’s Muhammad Abbas (2L) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of England’s Dan Lawrence on day four of the second test match between England and Pakistan at Lord’s cricket ground in London on August 30, 2026. Photo: AFP
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced that seven players had been replaced from the Test squad following Pakistan’s 2-0 series loss to England in the three-match series.
“The players include Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad. A total of seven replacements have been named, including five uncapped players at Test level and two capped players,” said a statement issued by the PCB.
The decision was taken after the Green Caps’ run of humiliations abroad continued unabated as Pakistan suffered their ninth defeat in their last 10 overseas Tests, losing the second Test by 194 runs on the fourth day at Lord’s and handing England their first Test series victory in two years.
PCB further said that among the replacements were batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have played eight and two Tests respectively, while left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas had also been added to the squad.
“The four other players are left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jnr, wicketkeeper-batter and player of the tournament of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 Saad Baig, right-arm pace-bowling all-rounders Mohammad Imran (also known as Imran Randhawa) and Razaullah,” PCB said.
The statement said that the seven replacements would join the squad ahead of the third Test against England in Birmingham.
The PCB also announced changes to the backroom staff, with former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul released from their roles. They will be replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke.
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.
