By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has carried out a major overhaul 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 next match in Birmingham.
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.
In their place, the board has included Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Imran Junior, Saad Baig, Imran Randhawa and Razaullah.
The replacement players are expected to join the Pakistan team before the next Test against England, scheduled to begin on September 9.
The changes represent a substantial reshaping of Pakistan’s Test combination during the England series, with several established players making way for younger and emerging cricketers.
Sarfaraz Ahmed, Umar Gul also released
The PCB has also made significant changes to the national team’s red-ball coaching staff.
Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who had been serving as head coach, has been released from his role. Former fast bowler Umar Gul, serving as bowling coach, has also been released. The board has brought Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke into the coaching setup as part of the restructuring.
The decision means Pakistan will head into the Birmingham Test with changes not only in its playing personnel but also in the coaching structure responsible for preparing the side.
Rizwan, Imam among major names released
Among the most significant departures is wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, one of Pakistan’s most experienced international cricketers.
Opening batter Imam-ul-Haq and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha have also been released, while fast-bowling options Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad are among those leaving the squad.
The inclusion of Saim Ayub, Arafat Minhas, Saad Baig and other emerging players indicates a shift towards experimenting with fresh combinations ahead of the next Test.
The new selections could provide younger cricketers an opportunity to establish themselves at Test level while increasing competition for places in Pakistan’s red-ball side.
Pakistan name squad for Birmingham Test
According to the PCB, Pakistan’s squad for the Birmingham Test includes:
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 squad combines experienced Test campaigners with a group of emerging players.
Senior batters including Babar Azam, Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel will consequently carry considerable responsibility as Pakistan attempt to settle their revised batting combination.
Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali provide experience in the pace department, while Sajid Khan remains an important spin option.
Birmingham Test becomes crucial test of new combination
The sweeping changes will put the spotlight on Pakistan’s selection strategy when the team takes the field in Birmingham.
Making multiple changes during a Test series can present challenges, particularly as incoming players need to quickly adjust to English conditions and the demands of international red-ball cricket.
At the same time, the reshuffle provides the team management with an opportunity to assess emerging talent against a strong England side.
The appointment of Hesson and Noffke to the coaching staff will also be closely watched, particularly regarding how quickly they can influence Pakistan’s preparation and tactical approach.
With seven players leaving and seven replacements arriving alongside changes to two important coaching positions, the PCB has signalled a significant reset of Pakistan’s Test setup.
Attention will now turn to the September 9 Birmingham Test, where the performance of the revamped squad could play an important role in determining Pakistan’s direction in red-ball cricket.
