Pakistan Test Squad Changes: Rizwan, Imam Released as Mike Hesson Joins

Pakistan Test squad changes have taken place ahead of the third and final Test against England, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) releasing seven players following the team’s 194-run defeat at Lord’s.

Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad have been released from the squad as Pakistan look to make significant changes after going 0-2 down in the three-match series.

Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq among players released

Mohammad Rizwan has endured a difficult tour, scoring only 61 runs across four innings. His removal from the squad comes as Pakistan look for greater consistency from their batting unit.

Imam-ul-Haq has also been released after suffering a calf strain during the Lord’s Test. The opener did not bat in either innings, while his injury has attracted considerable attention following his appearance during a batting practice session.

Salman Ali Agha, who captained Pakistan in the first Test in the absence of Babar Azam, has also been released after missing the Lord’s Test.

Saim Ayub returns to Pakistan’s Test squad

Pakistan have brought seven players into the revised squad. The most prominent addition is Saim Ayub, who has already represented Pakistan in eight Test matches.

Abdullah Fazal has also been added after making two Test appearances. His inclusion provides another batting option as Pakistan attempt to strengthen a struggling top order.

Arafat Minhas provides all-round option

Arafat Minhas is another notable addition to the squad. The left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder has represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is.

His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives the team another option while the selectors consider changes to the playing combination for the third Test.

Four uncapped players receive Test call-ups

Four players without Test experience have also been included in Pakistan’s revised squad.

Left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jnr has received a call-up, while wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig has been rewarded following an impressive domestic season. Baig was named Player of the Tournament in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

Right-arm pace-bowling all-rounders Muhammad Imran and Razaullah complete the group of new additions.

Pakistan also make changes to coaching staff

The changes are not limited to the playing squad. Pakistan have also reshaped their Test support staff following the disappointing results in England.

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who had been serving as Test head coach, has been released along with bowling coach Umar Gul.

Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will now join Pakistan’s backroom team as the PCB attempts to find solutions to the team’s recent struggles.

Pakistan’s batting crisis continues

Pakistan have struggled badly with the bat during the England series. They have failed to cross 200 runs even once across the matches so far.

The first Test ended inside three days, while the second Test at Lord’s went into a fourth day after rain disrupted proceedings on the third day. England eventually completed a 194-run victory to take an unassailable 2-0 series lead.

Babar Azam also endured a difficult second innings at Lord’s, where he was dismissed by Jofra Archer as Pakistan’s batting problems continued.

Third Test begins in Birmingham on September 9

Pakistan can no longer win the series and will now play the final Test for pride. The third match will be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9.

The extensive squad changes give Pakistan an opportunity to test several new players while attempting to finish the England tour on a positive note.

Updated Pakistan squad for third Test

Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, 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.