Pakistan release seven players after Lord’s defeat, five uncapped cricketers among replacements

The Pakistan Cricket Board announced on August 31, 2026, that seven players had been released from the Test squad following the conclusion of the second Test at Lord’s. Five uncapped players are among the seven named as replacements, with the revised group set to feature in the third Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Pakistan’s defeat at Lord’s by 194 runs on August 30 came after they had already lost the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs. England secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series with those two results.

The seven players released are Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad. The PCB also confirmed changes to the coaching staff, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul both released. Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke were named as their respective replacements.

Who are the seven players brought into the squad?

Seven players were called up to replace those released, and the group includes two with prior Test experience. Saim Ayub, who has eight Test appearances to his name, and Abdullah Fazal, who has featured in two Tests, are the capped additions to the squad.

Arafat Minhas comes in as an all-rounder with white-ball international experience across three ODIs and four T20Is, though he is yet to make his Test debut. The remaining four additions are all uncapped at the highest level.

Mohammad Imran Jnr, a left-arm fast bowler, earns his first Test squad call-up. Saad Baig, a wicketkeeper-batter, arrives after being named player of the tournament in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26. Muhammad Imran, a right-arm pace all-rounder, and Razaullah, also a right-arm pace all-rounder, complete the group of uncapped inclusions.

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Babar Azam will captain the side at Edgbaston, leading a squad that blends experienced campaigners with several players who are yet to appear at Test level. The PCB confirmed the full group on August 31.

Pakistan full squad for the third Test at Birmingham: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.