Bizarre Pakistan Shake-Up: Sarfaraz Sacked, Babar’s Test Squad Overhauled Ahead of 3rd Test In Birmingham

New Delhi, August 31: In a bizarre turn of events, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made sweeping changes to its Test squad and coaching staff ahead of the third and final match against England, releasing seven players and bringing in seven replacements.

The dramatic reshuffle comes after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the opening two Tests at Leeds and Lord's. The third Test is scheduled to begin in Birmingham on September 9, with the PCB making significant changes as the team looks to bounce back in the series finale.

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. The board has replaced them with Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Saad Baig, Muhammad Randhawa, Razaullah and Muhammad Imran Jnr.

Five of the incoming players have previously featured in international cricket, while Muhammad Randhawa and Razaullah are yet to represent Pakistan at any level. Saim Ayub has played eight Tests for Pakistan, while Abdullah Fazal has featured in two. Arafat Minhas, a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder, has also represented the country in three ODIs and four T20Is.

The changes have also extended to the coaching setup. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been released from their respective positions, with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke named as their replacements.

Among the new additions, Saad Baig is a notable inclusion after being named Player of the Tournament in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The wicketkeeper-batter will provide another option in the middle order, while left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jnr and right-arm pace-bowling all-rounders Mohammad Imran, also known as Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah add further depth to the squad.

The revamped group will assemble ahead of the Birmingham Test as Pakistan attempt to end the series on a positive note following their disappointing performances in the opening two matches.

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.