Pakistan have taken the drastic 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 campaign that saw the side lose both of the first two Tests, culminating in a heavy 194‑run loss at Lord's after an even more crushing innings‑and‑103‑run defeat at Headingley in the opening match.
The players sent home are wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, batsman Imam‑ul‑Haq – who sustained an injury during the second Test at Lord's – and all‑rounder Salman Ali Agha. Fast‑bowler Ali Usman, bowler Aamir Jamal, paceman Muhammad Awais Zafar and spinner Khurram Shahzad have also been dismissed from the squad. In addition, senior figures in the support staff, Sarfaraz Ahmed and former fast‑bowling coach Umar Gul, have been released from their duties. Their vacancies will be filled by former New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson, who will take over as the chief strategist, and Australian fast‑bowling specialist Ashley Noffke, who will join the backroom as a bowling consultant.
To replenish the ranks, Pakistan have called up seven new faces, five of whom have never before featured at Test level. The newcomers include promising top‑order batsmen Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have already accumulated eight and two Test appearances respectively, providing a blend of experience and fresh talent. The all‑rounder Arafat Minhas, a left‑arm spin bowler who has previously represented Pakistan in limited‑overs cricket, is also part of the reinforcements.
The pace department is bolstered by left‑arm quick Mohammad Imran Junior, while wicket‑keeper‑batter Saad Baig adds depth behind the stumps. Two further pace‑bowling all‑rounders, Mohammad Imran (also known as Imran Randhawa) and Razaullah, have been added to give the team additional options with the ball. The overhaul reflects a clear intent from the Pakistan management to inject new energy and address the shortcomings that were exposed during the series.
The first Test at Headingley saw the visitors bowled out for a meagre total, and the second at Lord's exposed a fragile middle order and an inability to take wickets at crucial moments. By bringing in uncapped players, the selectors hope to spark competition for places, revitalize the batting lineup, and provide a more varied bowling attack capable of exploiting English conditions.
Pakistan now head into the third and final Test at Edgbaston with a chance to avoid a 3‑0 whitewash. The match is scheduled to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket starting Wednesday, 9 September, with the first ball due at 11:00 am local time. The team will be captained by Babar Azam, who will lead a squad comprising a mix of seasoned campaigners and the newly introduced talent.
The full list for the Edgbaston Test includes 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. Beyond the immediate cricketing implications, the squad changes also signal a broader strategic shift. By appointing Mike Hesson, a coach with a reputation for meticulous planning and a data‑driven approach, Pakistan aim to modernize their preparation methods.
Ashley Noffke’s expertise in fast‑bowling mechanics is expected to help the pace unit adapt to the seam‑friendly English pitches, which have historically posed challenges for sub‑continental teams. The series has also sparked a wave of discussion among fans and analysts about Pakistan’s long‑term development pathway. The inclusion of several uncapped players suggests that the board is looking beyond short‑term fixes and is willing to invest in a pipeline of talent that can be nurtured for future tours.
Players like Saim Ayub, who has shown promise in domestic cricket, will now have the opportunity to prove themselves on the world stage, while the experience gained by young bowlers such as Mohammad Imran Junior could prove invaluable for upcoming campaigns. For supporters eager to follow the action, the match will be available on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming options for those without a traditional contract via NOW TV.
The broadcast will also feature pre‑match analysis, post‑match interviews, and expert commentary, ensuring that viewers receive comprehensive coverage of what could be a pivotal moment for Pakistan cricket. In summary, Pakistan’s decision to drop seven players and two coaches, and to bring in a fresh contingent of talent, underscores a decisive response to a series of disappointing results. The upcoming Edgbaston Test offers a chance to halt the losing streak, test the mettle of the new arrivals, and potentially set a new direction for the team’s future.
The cricketing world will be watching closely to see whether these bold changes can translate into a more competitive performance on English soil.