Summary PCB has released seven players, including Mohammad Rizwan, from Pakistan’s Test squad while Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul have also left the coaching staff.
LAHORE (Dunya News) - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a major shake-up of the national Test squad following the Lord’s Test against England, releasing seven players and making significant changes to the red-ball coaching staff ahead of the Birmingham Test.
According to the PCB, Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad have been released from the Test squad.
The board has brought in Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Imran Junior, Saad Baig, Imran Randhawa and Razaullah as replacements.
The incoming players are expected to join the Pakistan team before the next Test, scheduled to begin on September 9.
Sarfaraz Ahmed, Umar Gul released from coaching roles
The changes have not been restricted to the playing squad, with the PCB also restructuring Pakistan’s red-ball coaching setup.
Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who was serving as head coach, and former fast bowler Umar Gul, the bowling coach, have been released from their roles.
Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke have subsequently been added to the coaching staff.
The changes represent a significant intervention by the PCB during the England series, affecting both the composition of the squad and the team’s coaching structure.
Pakistan turn to fresh faces
The inclusion of several younger players indicates that selectors are prepared to test new combinations as Pakistan look ahead to the Birmingham encounter.
Saim Ayub is among the more recognisable additions, while Arafat Minhas and Saad Baig are also part of the reshaped squad.
The decision to release established players including Rizwan, Imam and Salman Ali Agha marks a substantial change in Pakistan’s selection strategy for the upcoming Test.
Pakistan squad for Birmingham Test
According to the PCB, Pakistan’s squad for the Birmingham Test comprises Babar Azam, Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Imran Randhawa, Imran Junior, Ghazi Ghori, Saad Baig, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.
The revamped squad combines experienced international players with emerging talent, placing greater responsibility on senior figures such as Babar Azam, Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Abbas.
Major reset during England series
Changing seven players as well as key members of the coaching staff represents a substantial reset for Pakistan’s red-ball setup.
Attention will now turn to how quickly the incoming players and coaches can adjust before the Birmingham Test.
The performance of the revamped squad will also be closely watched as the PCB seeks improved results and greater consistency from Pakistan in Test cricket.
