Top News

In a major shake-up ahead of the third and final Test against England, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released seven players and added seven others to the team in an attempt to salvage pride in the series decider.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made significant changes to team management after Pakistan lost heavily in the first two Tests at Leeds and Lord's. The third Test is scheduled to start in Birmingham on September 9, and PCB has made several changes to the playing and support staff in an effort to change the fortune in the final match of the series.

Pakistan Make Major Changes Ahead of Birmingham Test

Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad have been released from the touring squad. They have been replaced by Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Saad Baig, Muhammad Randhawa, Razaullah, and Muhammad Imran Jnr.

Five of the eight newcomers have experience of playing for Pakistan, while Muhammad Randhawa and Razaullah are yet to make their debut. Saim Ayub has appeared in eight Tests for Pakistan, while Abdullah Fazal has played two. Arafat Minhas, a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder, has represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is.

The PCB has also made significant changes to the coaching staff. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been released from their posts, with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke replacing them.

Saad Baig is the most famous newcomer after finishing as the Player of the Tournament in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The wicketkeeper-batter will give Pakistan another option in the deep middle order.

Mohammad Imran Jnr is another left-arm fast bowler, while Mohammad Imran and Razaullah are right-arm pace-bowling all-rounders. Pakistan will be looking to them in the upcoming matches as they prepare for the final Test.

The newly formed squad will gather for the Birmingham Test, where Pakistan wants to end their heartbreaking campaign. They have lost two Tests in a row and need to change the story if they do not want England to win the series.

Updated 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 and Ubaid Shah.