LAHORE (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released seven players from the Pakistan Test squad and two coaches, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul, following the completion of the second Test of the three-match series against England at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.
The statement issued today stated that the players released are Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha – who captained the team in the first Test, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad.
“A total of seven replacements have been named, including five uncapped players at Test level and two capped players.”
The newly called players include Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), and Saim Ayub.
Among these players, batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal have played eight and two Tests, respectively, while left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas has represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is.
The four other players are left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jnr, wicketkeeper-batter and player of the tournament of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 Saad Baig, right-arm pace bowling all-rounders Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razaullah.
The players will join the Pakistan squad ahead of the third Test against England.
Additionally, the cricket board said that Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have also been released and will be replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke in the backroom staff.
Pakistan 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 (wicket-keeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, and Ubaid Shah
