Pakistan have taken the decisive step of removing seven members of their touring party, along with two members of the coaching staff, in the wake of their recent series defeat to England and as they prepare for the decisive fifth Test at Edgbaston. The decision follows a string of disappointing results, most notably a 194‑run loss at Lord's that capped a series that began with a crushing innings‑and‑103‑run defeat at Headingley. In an effort to inject fresh energy and address the shortcomings exposed by the English side, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a substantial reshuffle of both playing personnel and support staff.
The players sent home are wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, top‑order batsman Imam‑ul‑Haq – who suffered an injury during the second Test at Lord's – and all‑rounder Salman Ali Agha. Fast‑bowling prospects Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad have also been recalled to the home base, ending their participation in the England tour. In addition, senior figures in the backroom, former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and former fast‑bowling coach Umar Gul, have been released from their contracts.
Their vacancies will be filled by experienced New Zealand coach Mike Hesson, who will assume the head‑coach role, and Australian fast‑bowling specialist Ashley Noffke, who will join the staff as a bowling consultant. To replenish the depleted squad, Pakistan have called up seven new faces, five of whom have never before played Test cricket. The most experienced among the newcomers are opening batsman Saim Ayub, who has already featured in eight Tests, and Abdullah Fazal, who has two Test caps to his name.
The remaining five are fresh prospects: left‑arm spin all‑rounder Arafat Minhas, who has previously represented Pakistan in limited‑overs formats; left‑arm quick Mohammad Imran Junior, a promising pacer with a strong domestic record; wicket‑keeper‑batter Saad Baig, who offers a dual skill set behind the stumps and with the bat; and two pace‑bowling all‑rounders, Mohammad Imran (also known as Imran Randhawa) and Razaullah, both of whom have impressed in the first‑class circuit and are expected to add depth to the bowling attack. The overhaul reflects a broader strategic shift by the PCB.
After losing the first two Tests by massive margins – an innings defeat at Headingley and a 194‑run loss at Lord's – the team found themselves on the brink of a 3‑0 whitewash. The final Test at Edgbaston therefore represents not just a chance to salvage pride, but also an opportunity to evaluate a new blend of talent under fresh leadership. By bringing in a mix of seasoned campaigners like Saim Ayub and promising youngsters, the board hopes to strike a balance between experience and dynamism.
The inclusion of additional wicket‑keepers such as Saad Baig also suggests a desire to increase flexibility in the batting order and provide more options for the captain, Babar Azam, who will lead the side. The revised squad for the Edgbaston encounter now reads as follows: 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.
This line‑up combines a core of established Test players with a substantial infusion of fresh blood, aiming to address the batting fragilities and bowling inconsistencies that plagued the side in England. Beyond the on‑field changes, the appointment of Mike Hesson as head coach is significant.
Hesson, who guided New Zealand to the 2015 World Cup final and has a reputation for building resilient, adaptable teams, is expected to bring a more analytical and player‑centred approach. His partner, Ashley Noffke, brings specialist knowledge of fast‑bowling mechanics and injury prevention, which could prove vital given the physical toll the English conditions have taken on Pakistan's pace attack.
The series will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket, with the final Test kicking off on Wednesday, September 9, at 10 am UK time (11 am local time for the first ball). Fans without a Sky subscription can explore contract‑free streaming options through NOW or other digital platforms, ensuring broad accessibility to the match.
In summary, Pakistan's decision to drop seven players and two coaches, while simultaneously calling up a blend of uncapped talent and experienced Test cricketers, underscores a proactive response to a disappointing series. The revamped squad, under new coaching guidance, will aim to halt England's dominance and avoid a clean‑sheet defeat at Edgbaston, while also laying the groundwork for a longer‑term rebuilding process within Pakistan cricket.