Pakistan cricket board overhauls squad following Test series losses in England
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 1:05 PM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
The Pakistan Cricket Board has implemented significant personnel changes following two consecutive losses in their three-match Test series against England. Seven players, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Salman Ali Agha, have been removed from the squad, while seven replacements were added for the final match in Birmingham. The coaching staff also underwent changes, with white-ball coach Mike Hesson appointed to lead the side for the third Test in place of Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul. Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja criticized the decision, describing the mid-series overhaul as a panic-driven response that could undermine player confidence. These developments coincide with external scrutiny regarding the team’s performance and off-field controversies involving the family of former captain Imran Khan. Pakistan aims to address its form in the final Test after failing to reach 200 runs in any of its four series innings so far.
- •Pakistan lost the first two Tests against England at Headingley and Lord's.
- •Seven players were released and replaced ahead of the third Test in Birmingham.
- •Mike Hesson replaces Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul as coach for the final match.
- •Ramiz Raja publicly questioned the timing and logic of the squad overhaul.
- •The team failed to total 200 runs across four innings in the first two matches.
- 1:05 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Pakistan cricket has hit a panic button’: Ramiz Raja slams PCB over unprecedented England tour overhaul
"Ramiz Raja, the former Pakistan cricketer, expressed his discontent over the board's recent decisions, labeling the player changes as an impulsive reaction to disappointing results. With seven players sent packing and new faces introduced, along with shifts in the coaching staff following losses, Raja raised concerns about the true effectiveness of these hasty actions.
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