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 with the final Test at Edgbaston looming. The decision follows a disappointing performance in the two‑match series, where the side suffered heavy defeats at both Headingley and Lord's. In an effort to inject fresh energy and address the shortcomings that were exposed, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the following players will be sent home: wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, opening batsman Imam-ul‑Haq (who was forced out with injury during the second Test at Lord's), all‑rounder Salman Ali Agha, fast‑bowling prospect Ali Usman, bowler Aamir Jamal, seamer Muhammad Awais Zafar and pace‑bowler Khurram Shahzad. In addition, two senior members of the support team – former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and former fast‑bowling coach Umar Gul – have been released from their duties.
Their vacancies will be filled by experienced New Zealand coach Mike Hesson, who will take over as head coach, and former Australian fast‑bowler Ashley Noffke, appointed to bolster the bowling department. To replenish the ranks, the PCB has called up seven new faces, five of whom have yet to earn a Test cap. Among the newcomers are promising batsmen Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have already featured in eight and two Test matches respectively, offering a blend of experience and youthful ambition. The all‑rounder Arafat Minhas, a left‑arm spinner who has previously represented Pakistan in limited‑overs cricket, joins the squad, bringing variety to the spin attack.
The pace department is further reinforced by left‑arm quick Mohammad Imran Junior, while Saad Baig, a wicket‑keeper‑batter, adds depth to the lower order and provides an alternative behind the stumps. Two additional pace‑bowling all‑rounders – Mohammad Imran (also known as Imran Randhawa) and Razaullah – have been drafted in to broaden the options for the fast‑bowling unit. The series itself has been a harsh reality check for Pakistan.
After a dominant 3‑0 victory at Headingley, where England posted a massive total and bowled out Pakistan for an innings and 103 runs, the visitors managed to claw back a single win at Lord's. However, that victory was short‑lived, as they were bundled out for a modest total and subsequently lost by 194 runs, sealing a 2‑1 series win for England. The heavy defeats exposed frailties in both batting resilience and bowling penetration, prompting the PCB to act swiftly before the final encounter at Edgbaston.
The upcoming third Test, scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket. Pakistan will be looking to avoid a 3‑0 whitewash and to restore some pride before the tour concludes. The revised squad, now captained by Babar Azam, includes a mix of seasoned campaigners and fresh talent: 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 blend aims to provide stability at the top of the order while offering new options in the middle and lower order, as well as a more varied bowling attack.
Analysts suggest that the inclusion of uncapped players could inject a sense of urgency and competition within the camp, potentially raising performance levels. The presence of experienced hands like Babar Azam and Shan Masood should help guide the newcomers through the pressures of a high‑stakes Test at a historic venue like Edgbaston. Moreover, the appointment of Mike Hesson, who previously led New Zealand to a World Cup final, signals a strategic shift towards a more analytical and data‑driven approach, while Ashley Noffke’s expertise in fast‑bowling coaching is expected to sharpen the seamers’ skills and consistency. Fans can follow the live action via Sky Sports' dedicated cricket channels, and those without a subscription have the option to stream the match through NOW TV’s contract‑free packages.
The PCB hopes that the revamped squad will deliver a more competitive performance, potentially turning the tide of the series and ending on a positive note despite the earlier setbacks. The final Test will not only be a test of skill but also of the team's resilience and adaptability after a turbulent tour.