Pakistan replaces coaching staff and seven players ahead of third England Test
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 11:12 AM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
Pakistan has overhauled its cricket squad and coaching staff ahead of the final Test against England at Edgbaston, which begins September 9. Following losses in the opening two matches, selectors dropped seven players, including Muhammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, while bringing in five uncapped players and two experienced batters. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul were also removed, replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke. Former captain Shahid Afridi and ex-PCB chairman Ramiz Raja publicly criticized the move as a sign of instability. The team is currently set for a scheduled meeting with King Charles at Clarence House this week. Despite previous internal tensions regarding a potential tour boycott during the second Test, team management confirmed the squad remains committed to completing the series.
- •Pakistan dropped seven players and replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed.
- •Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will lead the team for the third Test.
- •The final Test against England begins September 9 at Edgbaston.
- •Shahid Afridi and Ramiz Raja questioned the logic of the personnel changes.
- •The squad is scheduled to meet King Charles this week.
- 4:52 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Most shocking decision ever’: Shahid Afridi blasts Pakistan’s stunning Test shake-up
- 10:00 AMYahoo Sports — Pakistan changes 'most shocking ever' - Afridi
- 10:00 AMBBC Sport — Pakistan changes 'most shocking ever' - Afridi
"Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi strongly criticised the PCB's decision. Seven players and coaches were removed after significant losses to England. This overhaul included five uncapped players for the final Test match. Misbah-ul-Haq has also reportedly resigned from the selection committee. The team faces a challenging task to avoid a series whitewash.
"Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has called the selectors' decision to make sweeping changes to the squad and remove head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed ahead of the third and final Test against England as the "most shocking ever".
"Pakistan's decision to make dramatic changes to their squad during the series in England is the "most shocking decision ever", according to former captain Shahid Afridi.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 4:52 PM‘Most shocking decision ever’: Shahid Afridi blasts Pakistan’s stunning Test shake-up
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi strongly criticised the PCB's decision. Seven players and coaches were removed after significant losses to England. This overhaul included five uncapped players for the final Test match. Misbah-ul-Haq has also reportedly resigned from the selection committee. The team faces a challenging task to avoid a series whitewash.
- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 10:00 AMPakistan changes 'most shocking ever' - Afridi
Pakistan's decision to make dramatic changes to their squad during the series in England is the "most shocking decision ever", according to former captain Shahid Afridi.
- BBC SportSep 1, 2026, 10:00 AMPakistan changes 'most shocking ever' - Afridi
Pakistan's decision to make dramatic changes to their squad during the series in England is the "most shocking decision ever", according to former captain Shahid Afridi.
- Sky Sports—Pakistan's wholesale changes 'most shocking ever', says Afridi
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has called the selectors' decision to make sweeping changes to the squad and remove head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed ahead of the third and final Test against England as the "most shocking ever".
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