Pakistan Test Squad Shake-Up: What Changed Before Edgbaston
The Pakistan Cricket Board made the changes on August 31. This came one day after England took a 2-0 series lead at Lord’s.
Seven players were released. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed. Mike Hesson, who was leading the white ball side, stepped into the interim red ball role. Ashley Noffke joined as the new bowling coach.
Why Hesson Was Caught Off Guard
Hesson said he was not part of the first decision to send Rizwan, Imam ul Haq and Salman Ali Agha home. Those three had already left when he took charge.
Speaking in Birmingham, he said players were arriving while others were leaving at the same time. He called it a tough period but said his focus is now on the next match, not the past decisions.
The PCB has also been rebuilding its support staff behind the scenes, including a recent fielding coach hiring notice posted on LinkedIn.
The Seven Players Sent Home
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Mohammad Rizwan | Wicketkeeper batter |
| Imam ul Haq | Opening batter |
| Salman Ali Agha | Batter, first Test captain |
| Ali Usman | Left arm spinner |
| Aamir Jamal | All rounder |
| Muhammad Awais Zafar | Batter |
| Khurram Shahzad | Fast bowler |
Imam ul Haq also had an injury concern during the Lord’s Test. This means some releases may involve fitness, not just form or selection choices.
Seven New Faces Join the Squad
Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal both have Test experience, with eight and two caps respectively. Saad Baig, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah are uncapped at this level.
Saad Baig was named player of the tournament in the 2025-26 Quaid e Azam Trophy. Five uncapped players in one squad update is rare for a series decider.
Why Ali Usman’s Exit Stands Out
Ali Usman took 5 for 92 at Headingley, becoming the first Pakistan left arm spinner to claim a Test five wicket haul in England. He also picked up a wicket at Lord’s.
His removal shows this reshuffle is not only about players who underperformed. Hesson wants more variety in the bowling attack, which may explain the change in balance rather than form alone.
What the First Two Tests Revealed
Pakistan were bowled out for 171 and 135 at Headingley, losing by an innings and 103 runs. At Lord’s, they managed only 110 and 194, losing by 194 runs.
Abdullah Shafique top scored with 61 in the first Test. Saud Shakeel made 97 in the second. Pakistan have not crossed 200 in any of their four innings so far.
Pakistan’s batting struggles echo older debates in the team, including questions raised over Babar Azam’s all format captaincy during past slumps. It also comes after a period when Babar Azam equalled Imran Khan’s record for series wins, showing how quickly form can shift for this side.
The Wider Debate Over Stability
Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie criticised the mid series overhaul, saying frequent changes hurt consistency. Former England captain Nasser Hussain said the changes may have added pressure instead of solving the real problem.
According to the International Cricket Council, Pakistan sit at the bottom of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship table with a points percentage of 19.05 after the Lord’s defeat.
Series Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug 19 to 23 | First Test, Headingley — England won by innings and 103 runs |
| Aug 27 to 31 | Second Test, Lord’s — England won by 194 runs |
| Aug 31 | PCB releases seven players, changes coaching staff |
| Sep 2 | England names 15 player squad for third Test |
| Sep 9 to 13 | Third Test, Edgbaston, Birmingham |
What Happens Next
Pakistan cannot change the series result. England already lead 2-0. But Edgbaston gives Hesson a chance to test new combinations before the next Test cycle.
England will be led by Joe Root, with Jofra Archer, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett and Ollie Robinson in their 15 player squad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Mike Hesson appointed Pakistan’s interim Test coach?
The PCB removed Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed after two heavy losses. White ball coach Mike Hesson moved into the interim red ball role, with Ashley Noffke joining as bowling coach.
Why were seven Pakistan players sent home?
The PCB released seven players after the Lord’s defeat but did not give a separate public reason for each case. Unofficial reports remain unconfirmed.
Which senior players were released?
Mohammad Rizwan, Imam ul Haq and Salman Ali Agha were the most notable releases, along with Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.
Who are the new players in the squad?
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah joined. Five of them are uncapped at Test level.
When is the third Pakistan vs England Test?
The third and final Test starts on September 9, 2026, at Edgbaston, Birmingham, and runs until September 13.
Can Pakistan still win the series?
No. England already lead 2-0. Pakistan can only win the final Test and finish the series 2-1.
