{
  "id": 4681373,
  "title": "Rizwan, Imam among 7 players sent back home by PCB ahead of 3rd England Test",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/rizwan-imam-among-7-players-sent-back-home-by-pcb-ahead-of-3rd",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T17:24:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/pakistan-cricket-board-sends-7-players-home-3rd-england-test-10857697/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In light of Pakistan's disappointing performance in the second Test against England at Lord's, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the return of seven players ahead of the third Test in Birmingham. The decision comes in the wake of Pakistan's recent losses, including the second Test at Lord's, which marked their tenth defeat in 11 away Tests against England. The replacements for the seven players include a mix of international and debutants, with five of them having previously represented Pakistan at various levels. Among the replacements, four players have played in ODIs and T20Is, while the others are yet to make their mark on the international stage. The updated squad for the Birmingham Test includes captain Babar Azam, alongside other notable players such as Saad Baig, who was named Player of the Tournament in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The changes in the lineup aim to bolster Pakistan's performance in the upcoming Test match.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Dawn",
        "title": "Seven players, including Rizwan and Imam, released after second Test defeat in England: PCB",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/seven-players-including-rizwan-and-imam-released-after-second-test",
        "published": "2026-08-31T16:26:48.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Pakistan replace coach Sarfaraz and seven players ahead of third England test",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/pakistan-replace-coach-sarfaraz-and-seven-players-ahead-of-third",
        "published": "2026-08-31T17:43:28.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Pakistan drop seven players, two coaches ahead of 3rd Test",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/pakistan-drop-seven-players-two-coaches-ahead-of-3rd-test",
        "published": "2026-08-31T18:48:35.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}