Pakistan cricket team faces major overhaul after England Test series humiliation

Islamabad: Pakistan cricket has undergone a major shake-up following back-to-back defeats against England in the Test series, with seven players dropped midway through the tour and the entire coaching setup overhauled.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took the drastic decision after Pakistan suffered an innings-and-103-run defeat in the first Test at Headingley, followed by a 194-run loss in the second Test at Lord’s.

The poor performances prompted the PCB to make sweeping changes ahead of the third and final Test.

Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Amir Jamal, Hammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad have been released from the England tour with immediate effect and instructed to return to Pakistan.

The PCB has also made changes to the coaching staff. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been removed from their positions following the team’s disappointing performances.

The move comes as Pakistan looks to arrest its slide and avoid a series whitewash against England.

In a significant change, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has been handed the responsibility of coaching the Test side as well.

Former Australia pacer Ashley Noffke has been appointed as the new bowling coach.

🚨 INSIDE NEWS – DECISIONS SO FAR BY PCB 🇵🇰

Six players have been released from Pakistan’s Test squad ahead of the 3rd Test against England in Birmingham.

1️⃣ Imam-ul-Haq – Already departed for Pakistan
2️⃣ Mohammad Rizwan – Already departed for Pakistan
3️⃣ Salman Ali Agha -… pic.twitter.com/wjHSBfOjaj

— Mian Ahmad (@aHmADmIaN150) August 31, 2026

The revamped Pakistan side will now prepare for the third Test at Edgbaston, beginning September 9, with a new-look squad and coaching structure.

The PCB’s decision reflects the seriousness of the team’s struggles in the ongoing series, with the management seeking an immediate turnaround after two comprehensive defeats.

With several senior players released and changes made to the coaching setup, Pakistan will hope the overhaul can inject fresh energy into the team and help it produce a stronger performance in the final Test.