Pakistan Drop Seven Players in Sweeping Test Squad Overhaul

Pakistan have made sweeping changes to their Test squad and coaching staff after losing the first two matches of their series in England, according to BBC Sport. Seven players have been sent home, seven replacements have been called up and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has been released before the third and final Test at Edgbaston.

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Five of the departing players appeared in the series: Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad. Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Jafar are also leaving without having played in either of the first two Tests. Salman captained Pakistan in the opener while Babar Azam was injured, but was then left out at Lord's.

Pakistan have added batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, both of whom have previous Test experience. The five uncapped additions are spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas, left-arm seamer Mohammed Imran Jr, wicketkeeper Said Baig, and all-rounders Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.

The changes extend beyond selection. Sarfaraz and assistant coach Umar Gul have been replaced by Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australia seamer Ashley Noffke. BBC Sport described the mid-series overhaul as an unprecedented response for a touring team. Former Pakistan captain and PCB chairman Ramiz Raja told BBC Radio 5 Live that the decisions showed the team had hit the panic button and questioned the effect on player confidence.

The shake-up follows two emphatic defeats. England won the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and completed a 194-run victory in the second match at Lord's. Pakistan were dismissed for fewer than 200 in all four innings, leaving them 2-0 down with only the Birmingham Test remaining. That match is scheduled to begin on September 9.

Pakistan's tour had already been marked by controversy at Lord's. BBC Sport reported that the Pakistan Cricket Board threatened during lunch on the first day to cancel the rest of the match and tour over a Sky interview with the sons of former captain and prime minister Imran Khan. The team ultimately completed the Test, while Babar and Sarfaraz both denied knowing of a planned boycott. The new squad and coaching group now face the immediate task of trying to prevent a series sweep.