Pakistan releases seven players from Test squad after Lord’s defeat, names replacements for Birmingham

Pakistan released seven players from its Test squad on August 31, 2026, ahead of the third and final Test against England in Birmingham. "The Pakistan Cricket Board has today announced that seven players have been released from the Test squad following completion of the Lord’s Test," the PCB wrote in a statement on Monday.

The alterations follow England’s 194-run victory at Lord’s that secured a 2-0 series lead. Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in their first innings at Lord’s and were dismissed for 194 while chasing 389. The PCB described the decision as a major reset for a side that has struggled with the bat during the series.

The PCB confirmed that Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad have been sent home after the Lord’s Test.

Seven replacements have been named, including five players who have not yet made Test debuts. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal return with Test experience, while Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah have been added to the squad.

Changes have been made to the coaching staff as well: Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been relieved of their duties. They will be replaced for the final match by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke; Hesson is already Pakistan's white-ball head coach and Noffke has been working with the national setup.

The squad now reads: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.

The final Test begins in Birmingham on September 9, giving the restructured squad an immediate opportunity to respond to the Lord’s defeat.