BIRMINGHAM, England: In a desperate bid to salvage pride and avoid a humiliating series whitewash, Pakistan are set to ring in drastic changes for the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston on September 9, with reports confirming that as many as six new players have been summoned.
The visitors find themselves in a deep crisis after suffering a crushing 194-run defeat at Lord’s, following a heavy innings loss at Leeds.
The back-to-back capitulations have exposed significant frailties in the squad, forcing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to wield the axe ahead of the high-stakes encounter starting September 9 to 13.
🚨 BIG CHANGES IN PAKISTAN TEAM FOR 3RD TEST. 🚨
– PCB has decided to send Imam-ul-Haq & Mohammad Rizwan home immediately.
– Saim Ayub & Arafat Minhas have been called up, along with six other players.
– Mike Hesson will take over the responsibilities, with Sarfaraz Ahmed also… pic.twitter.com/3nbBpsCq05
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) August 31, 2026
Rizwan and Imam sent home
In a significant shake-up, senior players Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq have reportedly been released from the squad and will return to Pakistan.
Rizwan’s prolonged slump with the bat has been a major concern. Having scored only 94 runs across his last four Test appearances, his aggressive approach backfired at Lord’s, where he managed scores of just 7 and 1.
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Imam-ul-Haq’s situation is mired in controversy. Ruled out of the Lord’s Test due to a left calf tear, the opener is facing scrutiny over the nature of his injury, with reports suggesting the PCB is investigating the circumstances that kept him from batting in the second innings.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board has granted Salman Ali Agha an early release from the Test squad, and he will not be traveling to Birmingham for the third Test against England.
New faces, new hopes
To inject fresh energy, the PCB has turned to domestic performers. Young openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, all-rounder Arafat Minhas, wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir, and pacers Mohammad Imran Jr and Razaullah are expected to join the squad.
These changes signal a shift in focus towards the future as Pakistan looks to salvage a positive result at Edgbaston.
🚨 BIG DECISIONS BY PCB AHEAD OF THE BIRMINGHAM TEST 🚨
– Mohammad Rizwan could be sent back home due to poor performances.
– Imam-ul-Haq’s injury situation is being closely investigated.
– Saim Ayub, Arafat Minhas, Abdullah Fazal and six other players have been urgently… pic.twitter.com/FIM3j56roU
— Mujtaba Hussain Farooqui (@iMujtaba786) August 31, 2026
Hesson’s shadow looms over coaching setup
Amid the playing personnel changes, the coaching staff is also under intense pressure. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson is expected to be present in the dressing room for the Edgbaston Test, fueling speculation that he could be taking a larger role within the Test setup.
Read Also: England Thrash Pakistan by 194 Runs at Lord’s to Clinch Test Series
The potential involvement of Hesson has cast significant doubt over the future of red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, who is reportedly likely to be relieved of his duties following the conclusion of the tour.
Pakistan now face the daunting task of avoiding a series whitewash when they take on England in the third and final Test at Edgbaston, which runs from September 9 to 13.
