Pakistan have taken the decisive step of removing seven members of their touring party, along with two members of the coaching staff, following a disappointing series defeat to England and in preparation for the final Test at Edgbaston. The decision came after the team suffered a heavy loss at Lord's, prompting the board to reshuffle both the playing group and the support staff in hopes of revitalising the side for the concluding match. The players sent home include wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, batsman Imam‑ul‑Haq – who was forced out after sustaining an injury during the second Test at Lord's – as well as all‑rounder Salman Ali Agha, fast‑bowler Ali Usman, pacer Aamir Jamal, bowler Muhammad Awais Zafar and spinner Khurram Shahzad.
Each of these cricketers had featured in the squad at various stages of the tour, but the board decided that a fresh set of faces might be needed to inject new energy and competitiveness. In addition to the player cuts, the Pakistan Cricket Board also released two members of the backroom team: former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and former fast‑bowling coach Umar Gul.
Their roles will be taken over by experienced overseas staff, with Mike Hesson appointed as head coach and Ashley Noffke joining as a specialist bowling consultant. The move signals a clear intent to bring a different tactical perspective and to address the shortcomings that were exposed during the two‑match series.
To fill the vacancies, Pakistan have called up seven new players, five of whom have never before played Test cricket. Among the newcomers are promising batsmen Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have already earned eight and two Test caps respectively, offering a blend of experience and fresh talent.
The all‑rounder Arafat Minhas, a left‑arm spinner who has previously represented Pakistan in limited‑overs formats, has also been added to the squad, providing an additional spin option. The pace department receives a boost with the inclusion of left‑arm fast bowler Mohammad Imran Junior, while wicket‑keeper‑batter Saad Baig joins the contingent as a versatile option behind the stumps. Two more pace‑all‑rounders, Mohammad Imran – sometimes referred to as Imran Randhawa – and Razaullah, have been drafted in to broaden the bowling attack and give the team more depth in both seam and swing conditions. Pakistan’s recent form has been far from convincing.
They suffered a crushing 194‑run defeat at Lord's, following an even more dominant loss by an innings and 103 runs in the opening Test at Headingley. The back‑to‑back defeats have left the side reeling and in danger of a 3‑0 whitewash. The upcoming match at Edgbaston, scheduled to start on Wednesday, September 9, presents a final opportunity for the team to salvage pride and avoid a series sweep. The revised squad for the Edgbaston Test includes captain Babar Azam leading the side, along with the newly added Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Junior, wicket‑keeper Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Razaullah, Saad Baig (also a wicket‑keeper), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.
This blend of seasoned internationals and fresh faces is expected to bring a renewed competitive spirit, with the coaching duo of Hesson and Noffke tasked with devising strategies that can counter England’s strong batting line‑up and exploit any weaknesses in their bowling attack. Beyond the on‑field changes, the Pakistan Cricket Board hopes that the new coaching appointments will improve the team's mental resilience and tactical awareness. Mike Hesson, known for his analytical approach and previous successes with New Zealand, is expected to instil a data‑driven mindset, while Ashley Noffke’s expertise in fast‑bowling mechanics should help the pacers adapt to the swing‑friendly conditions often found at Edgbaston.
The final Test will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket, with coverage beginning at 10 a.m. (11 a.m. local time for the first ball) on September 9.
Fans without a Sky subscription can explore alternative streaming options, including contract‑free services such as NOW, to follow the action. The match promises to be a crucial showdown, as Pakistan aim to demonstrate that they can bounce back from a series of setbacks and showcase the depth of talent now available in their ranks. Overall, the sweeping changes to both the playing squad and the coaching staff underscore Pakistan’s determination to turn the tide of a challenging tour.
By integrating fresh talent, providing opportunities for uncapped players, and bringing in seasoned international coaches, the team hopes to reignite its competitive edge and deliver a performance that can at least prevent a clean sweep by England. The outcome at Edgbaston will be a litmus test for these reforms, offering a glimpse into the future direction of Pakistan cricket.