PCB releases seven players from Pakistan test squad ahead of third England test

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released seven players from the national Test squad following the completion of the Lord’s Test with several new faces set to join the team ahead of the third Test against England.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released seven players from the national Test squad following the completion of the Lord’s Test with several new faces set to join the team ahead of the third Test against England.

The players released from the Test squad are Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Owais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.

The PCB has brought in seven replacements as Pakistan prepares for the next stage of the Test series. Five of the newly added players are yet to make their Test debuts, while two have previous experience in the longest format.

The incoming players include batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal. Saim has represented Pakistan in eight Test matches, while Abdullah has played two Tests.

Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas has also been added to the squad. Minhas has represented Pakistan in three One-Day Internationals and four Twenty20 Internationals and will now have an opportunity to work with the Test squad.

The other additions include left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Imran Junior, wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig, and all-rounders Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.

Saad Baig has attracted particular attention after being named Player of the Tournament in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. His inclusion gives the national setup another promising wicketkeeper-batter option ahead of the upcoming Test.

All seven newly selected players will join Pakistan’s Test squad before the third Test against England.

The PCB has also made changes to the coaching staff. Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been released from their respective coaching responsibilities. They will be replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke, who will take charge of the relevant roles.

The squad changes come as Pakistan prepares for the next Test of the England series following the conclusion of the Lord’s match. The inclusion of several uncapped players suggests that the PCB is looking to add fresh options to the national setup while maintaining a combination of experienced and emerging talent.

The arrival of players such as Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas also provides the team management with greater flexibility in batting and bowling combinations.

With the third Test approaching, attention will now turn to the final playing XI and whether any of the newly added players will make their way into Pakistan’s starting lineup.

The PCB’s latest decision represents a significant reshuffle of both the Test squad and coaching setup as Pakistan looks to strengthen its preparations for the remainder of the series against England.