Pakistan overhaul squad and coaching staff after England series losses
Pakistan have dropped seven players and released head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed after losing the first two Tests against England. Five uncapped players have been called up, with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke taking over coaching duties. The third Test starts on 9 September at Edgbaston.
Pakistan's batting collapse has been total, with the side dismissed for under 200 in all four innings across the two Tests. The first match at Headingley ended in an innings defeat, while the second at Lord's was lost by 194 runs. Among those sent home, Salman Ali Agha had captained the first Test in Babar Azam's absence before being dropped for the second, and opener Imam-ul-Haq faced criticism for not batting at Lord's after a calf injury.
The move echoes Pakistan's history of drastic responses to defeat. During England's 2024 tour of Pakistan, the hosts lost the first Test after England scored over 800, then used garden heaters and fans to dry the Multan pitch for the second match, winning the next two Tests to take the series. The current tour has also been clouded by controversy, with the PCB threatening to cancel the remainder of the match after a Sky interview with Imran Khan's sons.
This upheaval could have lasting effects on Pakistan cricket's credibility and the confidence of both incoming and remaining players. Mid-series firings and mass squad changes may unsettle team cohesion and raise questions about the board's decision-making under pressure. Young, uncapped players thrust into a dead-rubber Test could face intense scrutiny, potentially shaping their development. The move may also influence how future touring sides and broadcast partners view Pakistan's administrative stability, though it could equally signal a willingness to act decisively.