Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and captain Babar Azam (AFP Photo) Pakistan have responded to their crushing 194-run defeat to England at Lord’s with a sweeping mid-tour overhaul, releasing seven players and making changes to the red-ball coaching staff ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston. The Pakistan Cricket Board announced the changes on Monday after Pakistan slipped to a 0-2 deficit in the three-match series.

The defeat at Lord’s followed an innings-and-103-run loss in Leeds, leaving Pakistan with five defeats in their last six Tests. Among the seven players released are former white-ball captain Salman Ali Agha, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and opening batter Imam-ul-Haq.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board has today announced that seven players have been released from the Test squad following completion of the Lord’s Test. A total of seven replacements have been named including five uncapped players at Test level and two capped players,” the PCB said in its statement.

Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal among replacementsThe board has brought in seven replacements, including Test-capped batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, along with left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas. Saim has played eight Tests for Pakistan, while Abdullah has featured in two.

“Among the players announced as replacements, batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal have played eight and two Tests, respectively, while left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas has represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is,” the PCB said. “The four other players are left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jnr, wicketkeeper-batter and player of the tournament of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 Saad Baig, right-arm pace bowling all-rounders Mohammad Imran (also known as Imran Randhawa) and Razaullah,” the PCB added.

Sarfaraz Ahmed, Umar Gul also releasedThe changes extend beyond the playing squad, with red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul also relieved of their duties. “Additionally, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul have also been released and will be replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke in the backroom staff,” the PCB said.

The overhaul follows growing scrutiny of several players after the Lord’s defeat. Imam came under criticism after missing both innings because of a calf injury sustained on the opening day.

His appearance on the outfield for warm-ups on the fourth morning drew further attention. Rizwan’s position had also come under pressure after another difficult outing with the bat.