Pakistan Cricket Board Begins Major Shake-Up

Following a string of heavy defeats in the Test series against England, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has begun a major overhaul. Shortly after suffering a massive 194-run defeat in the second Test at Lord’s, the PCB made sweeping changes to the squad midway through the series. Seven players have been dropped, while changes have also been made to the red-ball coaching staff.

The PCB announced that wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, opener Imam-ul-Haq, former white-ball captain Salman Ali Agha, along with Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Muhammad Awais Jafar and Khurram Shahzad, have been released from the squad. Seven new players have been brought in as replacements. Among them, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal have previous Test experience, while Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jr., Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah have received their first call-ups to the Test squad.

Changes have also been made to the coaching staff. Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been relieved of their duties. White-ball coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke have been given additional responsibilities until the end of the tour.Pakistan are already trailing 0-2 in the three-match series, with poor player form and injury-related controversies reportedly contributing to the sweeping changes. The third Test between the two sides is scheduled to begin on September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.