Seven players released after Lord’s defeat as Hesson replaces Sarfaraz as head coach
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson speaks to media in Dubai. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan have overhauled their Test squad ahead of the third and final match against England in Birmingham, releasing seven players following the completion of the Lord’s Test and bringing in a mix of established names and uncapped talent.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Monday that Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad had been released from the squad after the second Test.
Seven replacements have been named, including five players yet to make their Test debuts and two who have already represented Pakistan in the format.
Senior batsman Saim Ayub returns to the Test squad after having played eight Tests for Pakistan, while Abdullah Fazal, another batter, comes in with two Tests to his name.
Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas has also been added to the squad. Minhas has represented Pakistan in three one-day internationals and four Twenty20 internationals but is yet to play a Test.
The four uncapped players at Test level are left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Imran Junior, wicket-keeper-batter Saad Baig, and right-arm pace-bowling all-rounders Mohammad Imran, also known as Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah.
Baig’s selection comes after a standout domestic season. The wicket-keeper batsman was named player of the tournament in the 2025-2026 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier first-class competition.
The changes come with Pakistan preparing for the Birmingham Test, where they will seek to finish with consolation win against England after losing the opening two matches.
The PCB has also made changes to the team’s support staff, releasing former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul.
They will be replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke, respectively, as Pakistan seek to strengthen their coaching setup for the decisive Test.
The updated squad for the Birmingham Test is: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Junior, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.
