Rizwan and Imam dropped as PCB reshuffles Pakistan squad for England’s third Test

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced the release of seven Test squad members, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imamul Haq and Salman Ali Agha, during the ongoing series against England. The cricket board’s decision came after Pakistan suffered a thumping 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord’s. With the victory, the hosts took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series, after the visitors also suffered an innings-and-103-run thrashing in the first Test at Headingley. According to a press release, Rizwan, Imam, Agha, along with Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad, have been released from the squad. The PCB also named seven replacements, including “five uncapped players at Test level and two capped players”. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have played eight and two Tests, respectively, have been called up to the Test squad. Among the five uncapped players are left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas, who has represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is; left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jr.; wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig, who was named player of the tournament in the 2025-26 Quaid-i-Azam Trophy; and right-arm pace-bowling all-rounders Mohammad Imran (also known as Imran Randhawa) and Razaullah. “The players will join the Pakistan squad ahead of the third Test against England,” the release said. The third and final match of the series is scheduled for September 9 in Birmingham. Additionally, Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have also been relieved of their duties, the release said, adding that white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will replace them on the backroom staff. Updated Test squad for Birmingham Test: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper) Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced the release of seven Test squad members, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imamul Haq and Salman Ali Agha, during the ongoing series against England. The cricket board’s decision came after Pakistan suffered a thumping 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord’s. With the victory, the hosts took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series, after the visitors also suffered an innings-and-103-run thrashing in the first Test at Headingley. According to a press release, Rizwan, Imam, Agha, along with Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad, have been released from the squad. The PCB also named seven replacements, including “five uncapped players at Test level and two capped players”. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have played eight and two Tests, respectively, have been called up to the Test squad. Among the five uncapped players are left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas, who has represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is; left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jr.; wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig, who was named player of the tournament in the 2025-26 Quaid-i-Azam Trophy; and right-arm pace-bowling all-rounders Mohammad Imran (also known as Imran Randhawa) and Razaullah. “The players will join the Pakistan squad ahead of the third Test against England,” the release said. The third and final match of the series is scheduled for September 9 in Birmingham. Additionally, Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have also been relieved of their duties, the release said, adding that white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will replace them on the backroom staff. Updated Test squad for Birmingham Test: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper) Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah

Pakistan cricketers Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq are reportedly set to return to Pakistan after the national team suffered heavy defeats in the first two Tests against England. Several reports have claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is making major changes to the squad ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham.Mohammad Rizwan clearly has no plans to stop playing this shot pic.twitter.com/9JDfdT8xfp— PctMedia (@PctMediaa) August 30, 2026 Six players are reportedly being called up with Saim Ayub, Arafat Minhas and Abdullah Fazal among those expected to join the squad. The PCB has not yet formally announced the complete list of changes.Pakistan's problems arises after England took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. England won the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before beating Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord's.BIG BREAKING محمد رضوان اور امام الحق کو لارڈز ٹیسٹ میں شکست کے بعد ہنگامی بنیادوں پر پاکستان واپس بھیجنے کا فیصلہ !— Syed Yahya Hussaini (@SYahyaHussaini) August 30, 2026 The second defeat exposed Pakistan's batting problems once again as the visitors were dismissed for 110 in their first innings and 194 in their second innings.Rizwan has struggled for runs across the two Tests. At Headingley, the Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman scored 12 in the first innings and 41 in the second. His returns were even lower at Lord's, where he made seven in the first innings and only one in the second. Rizwan therefore scored 61 runs across four innings in the first two Tests.Did he come out and bat after all this?? https://t.co/oSmhZ1fpNj— David Warner (@davidwarner31) August 31, 2026 Imam has had a different problem after suffering a calf injury at Lord's. The PCB confirmed that Imam-ul-Haq sustained a strain to his left calf muscle while fielding on the opening day of the second Test. Scans later showed a low-grade calf strain and the opener was receiving treatment under the supervision of Pakistan's medical team.'I Have Not Heard That Thing': Pakistan Captain Babar Azam Breaks Silence On Imran Khan Sons' Interview Row | Video BIG CHANGES IN PAKISTAN TEAM FOR 3RD TEST. - PCB has decided to send Imam-ul-Haq & Mohammad Rizwan home immediately.- Saim Ayub & Arafat Minhas have been called up, along with six other players.- Mike Hesson will take over the responsibilities, with Sarfaraz Ahmed also… pic.twitter.com/3nbBpsCq05— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) August 31, 2026 Imam did not bat in either innings at Lord's and was officially listed as "Absent Hurt" in the scorecard. Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in their first innings with Mohammad Rizwan scoring seven. In the second innings, Rizwan made only one while Imam again did not bat. Pakistan were dismissed for 194, despite Saud Shakeel's fighting 97.The circumstances surrounding Imam's injury have since gave rise to a fresh controversy. Reports say the PCB could conduct an inquiry into the injury, while some former cricketers have questioned the nature of the problem after Imam was seen practising during the Test.Babar and rizwan will get 1.75 core for WI & Eng tour but their performance is horrible pic.twitter.com/uj5BcjMxZm— Huzaifa khan (@HuzaifaKhan021) August 31, 2026 However, the PCB has officially confirmed that the batter suffered a low-grade calf strain. Therefore, any suggestion that the injury was not genuine remains a reported allegation and has not been established as fact.Shocking! PCB Erupts In Fury Over Imran Khan Sons' Interview During Pakistan-England Lord's Test; Threatens To Boycott MatchPakistan Cricket Mike hesson has been called on to England immediately to take the charge.Sarfarz will be also part of the management team.Imam & Rizwan among the players who will be returning home immediately.#PCB pic.twitter.com/3FRVhhHmrT— Tiki Takka (@all_sports55) August 31, 2026 Imam had also struggled to make a major impact in the first Test at Headingley. He scored 42 in Pakistan's first innings but was dismissed for a duck in the second. Pakistan were bowled out for 171 and 135 respectively as England completed an innings victory. The result gave England a 1-0 lead before the teams moved to Lord's.The reported decision to make changes has come after another poor batting performance at Lord's. Pakistan were chasing 389 for victory but lost wickets regularly. THE END OF MUHAMMAD RIZWAN - Rohail Nazir has been called up for the Birmingham Test against England. - Muhammad Rizwan is set to be sent back to Pakistan on the next possible flight. pic.twitter.com/H1MVhmj6Qj— Rayham. (@RayhamUnplugged) August 31, 2026 Saud Shakeel provided the only major resistance with his 97, while Ollie Robinson finished with eight wickets in the match. England's victory by 194 runs sealed the Test series with one match still to play.Comedy Of Errors! Pakistan Captain Salman Agha Misses Run Out Chance, Hits Mohammad Rizwan Instead While Appealing LBW| VIDEOReports have also suggested that Saim Ayub, Arafat Minhas and Abdullah Fazal are among the players being called up for the Birmingham Test. The reported changes are aimed at strengthening Pakistan's batting options after the team's struggles in the first two matches. Further names and the final squad are expected to be confirmed by the PCB.There could also be a change in the team's management for the final Test. Reports have claimed that white-ball head coach Mike Hesson could take charge of Test team at Edgbaston. This is another reported development and should not be treated as an official PCB announcement until the board confirms it.Stuart Broad Slams Imam-ul-Haq's Side Line Practice, Netizens Roast Pakistan Opener Over Lord's Injury Drama; VIDEOPakistan will now have to regroup quickly before the third Test begins at Edgbaston on September 9. England have already secured the series, leaving Pakistan with the task of avoiding a 3-0 clean sweep.With changes to the squad and team set-up reportedly being considered, the Birmingham Test could mark the beginning of a major reset for Pakistan's Test side.