The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has initiated a massive shake-up of its Test squad and coaching staff, sending home seven players and calling up seven replacements, while also appointing New Zealander Mike Hesson as the new head coach for the Test side.
This extraordinary overhaul comes in the wake of a crushing 194-run defeat to England at Headingley, which sealed the three-match series 2-0 in favour of the hosts. The third and final Test is set to commence on September 9, 2026, at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Wholesale Changes After Series Defeat
Seven players have been released from the squad: Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad. This decision, described by some as unprecedented for a dead rubber mid-series, highlights the PCB’s deep dissatisfaction with the team’s performance. The coaching staff has also seen significant changes, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul relieved of their duties.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi expressed his dismay at the decisions, stating on social media, “Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision! Even the replacements make no sense – T20 players have been included for a Test match in England? What is this thinking and approach? Why has the coach been axed after 5 Test matches? This is the most shocking decision…” Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur also criticized the changes, citing a lack of stability, stating, “Absolutely ridiculous decisions by the PCB-this is the reason they are in the mess they are, because they constantly chop and change players, coaches and selectors, and there is no stability! Planning, stability and structure =Consistent performance.”
New Faces and Coaching Shake-Up
Mike Hesson, currently the head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball setup, will now also take charge of the Test team. He will be joined by Ashley Noffke, the white-ball bowling coach, who steps into the Test coaching staff. Hesson was appointed white-ball head coach effective May 26, 2025, with the official announcement made on May 13, 2025.
The squad sees the inclusion of five uncapped players: Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah. Additionally, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who collectively share the experience of only 10 matches between them, have been called up.
Controversial Exclusions and Criticisms
The decision to drop several players has raised eyebrows. Mohammad Rizwan, despite his exceptional glovework on the tour, struggled with the bat, registering scores of 7 and 1 at Lord’s, and 12 and 41 at Headingley. Imam-ul-Haq, who suffered a Grade 1 calf tear, attracted scrutiny after appearing to face throwdowns with a strapped leg for “optics” during the Lord’s Test.
Perhaps the most perplexing decision is the release of Ali Usman, who claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in the second innings at Headingley, becoming the first away spinner since 1972 to do so at the venue. Salman Agha, Pakistan’s T20I captain, was also dropped after leading the side at Headingley, ostensibly due to a decline in batting form.
A Look at the Replacements
Among the new additions, Saim Ayub, despite his recent century in the CPL for Jamaica Kingsmen, has not played for Pakistan since the T20 World Cup earlier this year due to fitness concerns and has limited first-class experience since an ankle fracture in January 2025. Arafat Minhas, a left-arm orthodox spinner, made his ODI debut in May and earned a Player-of-the-Match award.
Saad Baig, a wicketkeeper-batter from Karachi, was the player of the tournament in the last Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, leading in run-scoring. The three uncapped fast bowlers – Mohammad Imran Randhawa (58 first-class appearances), Razaullah (8 first-class matches), and Mohammad Imran Jnr (8 first-class matches since November 2022) – bring varying levels of experience.
Pakistan Test Squad for Birmingham Test:
- Babar Azam (Captain)
- Abdullah Fazal
- Arafat Minhas
- Azan Awais
- Mohammad Abbas
- Mohammad Ali
- Muhammad Imran
- Mohammad Imran Jnr
- Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (Wicketkeeper)
- Razaullah
- Saad Baig (Wicketkeeper)
- Saim Ayub
- Sajid Khan
- Saud Shakeel
- Shan Masood
- Abdullah Shafique
- Ubaid Shah
Road Ahead for Pakistan
This marks Sarfaraz Ahmed’s third series as head coach, having been appointed only in April. Pakistan’s consistent poor performance, including 15 defeats in their last 20 Tests, places them at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship standings, a position they also held in the previous cycle. The dramatic changes underscore the PCB’s desperation to revive the team’s fortunes, hoping Hesson’s dual role and the influx of new talent can spark a turnaround in the final Test and beyond.
mber 9-13, 2026, at Edgbaston, Birmingham, with play scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM local time (UTC+1).
These extensive changes reflect the PCB’s determination to address the team’s recent struggles and aim for a more stable and competitive future in Test cricket, starting with the upcoming match in Birmingham.
The third Test between England and Pakistan will be played from Septe