Pakistan cricket board overhauls squad following Test series losses to England
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 6:23 AM
Last updated Sep 7, 2026
The Pakistan Cricket Board has removed seven players from its squad ahead of the third Test match against England. The decision follows two heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord’s, which gave England an unassailable 2-0 series lead. Alongside roster changes, the board has updated the coaching setup, appointing Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke. Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar characterized the current state of the national team as requiring long-term rebuilding efforts. He noted that the board is shifting focus toward younger talent rather than the existing senior lineup. The team is scheduled to travel to Edgbaston for the final Test of the series.
- •England leads the three-Test series 2-0 after two victories.
- •Seven players were dropped from the Pakistan squad for the third Test.
- •Mike Hesson has taken charge of the Pakistan coaching setup.
- •The third Test of the series is scheduled to be held at Edgbaston.
- •Shoaib Akhtar emphasized the need to protect the careers of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.
- 6:23 AMYahoo Sports — 'Pakistan cricket on a ventilator': Shoaib Akhtar’s brutal verdict as 'nothing' is expected from squad
"Pakistan Cricket Board is undertaking a significant rebuilding phase following poor tour performances. Senior players have been removed from the squad for the final Test match. Former bowler Shoaib Akhtar believes the board has lost confidence in the current team. He stressed the need to protect the careers of younger fast bowlers. The board is now focusing on developing a new generation of players for the future.
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