{
  "id": 4794734,
  "title": "Which Pakistan players were axed from squad? PCB opts for major reshuffle during series against England",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/which-pakistan-players-were-axed-from-squad-pcb-opts-for-major",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-01T05:36:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/pakistan-players-were-axed-squad-053651598.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Pakistani Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to make significant changes to their Test squad against England, following two crushing 2-0 losses in the series. Seven players were axed from the team, including experienced batsmen Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Salman Ali Agha. The PCB also made coaching changes, with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke taking over from Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul. The seven replacements bring fresh talent to the squad, with some players like Saad Baig already winning accolades in domestic competitions. The PCB's drastic adjustments come after Pakistan's inability to score 200 runs in any of their four innings in the two Tests played. The third Test takes place from September 9 to September 13 at Edgbaston in Birmingham, with England already securing a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.",
  "summary": "Pakistan have made major changes to their squad during the England series, with several key players reportedly axed as the PCB looks to shake things up.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Pakistan drop seven players and release head coach",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/pakistan-drop-seven-players-and-release-head-coach",
        "published": "2026-08-31T16:20:16.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "ESPNcricinfo",
        "title": "Pakistan send seven players home and bring in Hesson to coach Test side",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/pakistan-send-seven-players-home-and-bring-in-hesson-to-coach-test",
        "published": "2026-08-31T16:25:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "Major shake-up in Pakistan cricket: Seven players, coaches Sarfaraz, Gul released",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/major-shake-up-in-pakistan-cricket-seven-players-coaches-sarfaraz-gul",
        "published": "2026-08-31T17:06:47.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "'T20 players included for Tests': Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik slam Pakistan selectors over squad selection amid chaos in England tour",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/t20-players-included-for-tests-shahid-afridi-shoaib-malik-slam",
        "published": "2026-09-01T04:38:09.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Pakistan ditch coaches, send seven players home after England defeats",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/pakistan-ditch-coaches-send-seven-players-home-after-england-defeats",
        "published": "2026-09-01T05:52:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}