Pakistan ponder squad, coaching changes for Birmingham Test

An embarrassing 194-run defeat at Lord's has forced Pakistan to consider changes to their squad and coaching set-up for the final Test in Birmingham, sources said on Monday.

LONDON: An embarrassing 194-run defeat at Lord’s has forced Pakistan to consider changes to their squad and coaching set-up for the final Test in Birmingham, sources said on Monday.

England defeated Pakistan by 194 runs on the fourth day of the second Test at Lord’s on Sunday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The final Test will be played at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.

Following the disappointing performance, an emergency meeting was held at the Pakistan team’s hotel, where possible changes ahead of the final Test were discussed, the sources said.

Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and Test opener Imam-ul-Haq are likely to be sent back to Pakistan, while Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas are expected to be called up for the Birmingham Test, they added.

The PCB is likely to send Imam back to Pakistan on the first available flight from London and conduct an inquiry into his calf injury, the sources said.

Imam complained of discomfort in his calf on the opening day of the Lord’s Test and did not bat in Pakistan’s second innings.

The development comes amid media speculation over the nature of Imam’s injury. Some former cricketers have questioned its authenticity and described it as fake.

The cricket board is expected to assess the left-handed batter’s injury and look into the reasons behind his withdrawal from the match.

In March 2025, a PCB inquiry committee found Imam responsible for misrepresenting an injury during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand, the sources said.

The committee found no medical basis to declare him unfit after an X-ray showed no fracture or dislocation in his toe.

It concluded that Imam had exaggerated his injury symptoms and misled medical staff. The committee recommended a ban on his representing Pakistan across all formats and levels.

The inquiry also alleged that Imam had misrepresented his injury to avoid performing as an opener on England’s pitches.

Sarfaraz future uncertain

Sarfaraz Ahmed is also facing serious uncertainty following Pakistan’s defeat at Lord’s.

White-ball coach Mike Hesson is set to become involved in the Test team’s affairs and is expected to join the squad for the third and final Test in Birmingham, according to reports.

Hesson had initially travelled to London with Director High-Performance Centre Aqib Javed to attend a dinner hosted by Prince Charles.

He is now expected to oversee matters relating to the Test team. The PCB has not confirmed the development.

His involvement has sparked speculation that Hesson could eventually take charge of the Test side after already overseeing Pakistan’s ODI and T20 teams.

There is a strong possibility that Sarfaraz could be removed as red-ball coach following the conclusion of Pakistan’s England tour.

The PCB is expected to review the coaching structure after the team’s disappointing performance.

The Lord’s defeat ended Pakistan’s 16-year unbeaten run on the field and gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

The defeat also leaves Pakistan with more Test losses than victories for the first time since 1987.