Pakistan drop seven players and release head coach

In the aftermath of their disappointing series against England, Pakistan have opted for a radical squad overhaul. The cricketing nation has dropped seven players and released their head coach, Sarfaraz Ahmed, in favor of a new backroom staff. The unprecedented decision comes after Pakistan fell to first innings and 194-run defeats in the opening two Tests.

Five of the dropped players - Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, and Khurram Shahzad - have already featured in the series, while Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Jafar have been sent home without playing. The five uncapped replacements include Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, and Razaullah.

In addition to the players, Pakistan's white-ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australian seamer Ashley Noffke have taken over the roles vacated by Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul. The third Test against England is set to take place on September 9 at Edgbaston. This move reflects Pakistan's tendency to implement drastic measures following defeat.

During England's last visit to Pakistan in 2024, the hosts responded to losing the first Test by playing the second Test on the same pitch in Multan, aided by garden heaters and fans to dry the surface. Pakistan went on to win the next two Tests and secure a 2-1 series victory. As the controversy surrounding the Pakistan team during the second Test continues, fan-favorite Sarfaraz Ahmed denies any knowledge of the team's threat to end the tour.