Pakistan drop seven players and release head coach

Pakistan have dropped seven players and relieved head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed of his duties ahead of the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston, which is scheduled to begin on 9 September. The moves follow two heavy defeats in the opening matches of the series. Pakistan lost the first Test at Headingley by an innings and the second at Lord’s by 194 runs, being bowled out for fewer than 200 runs in each of their four innings. Five of the omitted players – Muhammad Rizwan, Imam‑ul‑Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad – had featured in the series to date, while Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Jafar were sent home without appearing in a match. Seven players have been summoned to the squad. Batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, both with previous Test experience, join five uncapped newcomers: spin‑bowling all‑rounder Arafat Minhas, left‑arm seamer Mohammed Imran Jr, wicketkeeper Said Baig and all‑rounders Mohammad Imran and Razaullah. In addition, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul have been released. They will be replaced by Pakistan’s white‑ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australia seamer Ashley Noffke. The decision to send home seven players and the head coach mid‑series is unprecedented for a touring side. Pakistan has a habit of making unconventional choices after defeats. During England’s 2024 tour of Pakistan, the hosts reacted to losing the first Test – when England posted a total in excess of 800 – by scheduling the second Test at the same venue in Multan. To assist their spinners, Pakistan employed pitch heaters and fans to dry the surface. The home side went on to win the next two matches and clinch the series 2‑1.