Pakistan have launched a remarkable overhaul midway through their Test series against England, dropping seven players and releasing two coaches following a pair of crushing defeats.
Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul have been removed from the touring party ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston, which begins on September 9.
Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australia seamer Ashley Noffke will take charge as the tourists attempt to avoid a series whitewash.
Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad have all been axed after featuring during the opening two Tests.
Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Jafar have also been sent home despite not playing in either match.
Seven replacements have been summoned, including Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who both have previous experience at Test level.
Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah could make their debuts after receiving maiden call-ups.
Pakistan were beaten by an innings at Headingley before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord’s.
Pakistan have launched a remarkable overhaul midway through their Test series against England, dropping seven players and releasing two coaches following a pair of crushing defeats
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Their batting has been particularly alarming, with the tourists dismissed for fewer than 200 in all four innings.
Former Pakistan captain and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja believes the unprecedented changes show that officials have panicked.
“I’m trying to convince myself this is all OK, but it is not,” he said.
“It just shows Pakistan cricket has hit a panic button. It’s not good for the game, it’s not good for the confidence of the players who have come in, or for the players who are left, because it makes you a selfish team.
Sarfaraz Ahmed has been relieved of his duties following Pakistan’s defeat to England
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“What is the guarantee they will get the results? Some of these guys have not played Test cricket. I’ve got no idea why this was done.”
Among those departing is Salman, who captained Pakistan during the first Test because of Babar Azam’s injury before being omitted at Lord’s.
Imam was criticised after suffering a calf problem while fielding on the opening day of the second Test and not attempting to bat in either innings.
Raja, who represented Pakistan in 57 Tests, compared the upheaval to a football club dismissing its manager midway through a campaign.
“How many times have we seen this happen in world cricket? Never, ever,” he added.
“This is more like football, midway through the season, firing a manager.”
Pakistan have previously benefited from an unconventional reaction to adversity.
After England amassed more than 800 during the opening Test of their 2024 tour, Pakistan reused the same Multan pitch and employed heaters and fans to dry it. Their spinners subsequently helped secure a 2-1 series victory.
England lead Pakistan 2-0 going into the third and final Test
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The latest changes follow controversy at Lord’s, where the PCB threatened to abandon the match and tour following the broadcast of an interview with Imran Khan’s sons.
The former Pakistan captain and prime minister has spent three years in prison after being convicted on corruption charges, allegations he denies.
Babar and Sarfaraz both denied knowing about any proposed boycott.
Pakistan’s remaining players are also scheduled to meet King Charles at Clarence House this week.
