Pakistan has responded to a disastrous England tour with a sweeping overhaul of their Test setup, releasing seven players and making changes to the coaching staff ahead of the third Test in Birmingham.
The shake-up follows Pakistan’s 194-run defeat at Lord’s, which gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series. It was Pakistan’s second heavy defeat of the tour after they lost the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs.
Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad have all been sent home. Their places have been taken by Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Saad Baig, Muhammad Randhawa, Razaullah and Muhammad Imran Jnr.
The changes extend beyond the playing group. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have also been released, with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke appointed in their places.
Several of the incoming players bring international experience. Saim Ayub has played eight Tests, while Abdullah Fazal has appeared in two. Arafat Minhas, a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder, has represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is.
There is also an emphasis on players making an impact domestically. Saad Baig, a wicketkeeper-batter, was named Player of the Tournament in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, while Muhammad Randhawa and Razaullah are yet to play international cricket.
The scale of the changes reflects Pakistan’s wider struggles in Test cricket. The Lord’s defeat was their 10th loss in their last 11 away Tests, while they have now lost 15 of their last 20 matches in the format.
The results have also left Pakistan at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings. They have won two and lost six Tests in the current cycle, leaving them with a points percentage of just 16.67.
With the series already beyond them, the Birmingham Test now carries a different significance. Pakistan is beginning to reshape a Test side that has struggled for consistency. For the PCB, the final Test of the series is therefore also the first step in a significant reset.
