Pakistan: The Pakistan Cricket Board is considering changes to the Test squad and coaching set-up ahead of the third and final Test against England after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat at Lord’s, according to sources.
England secured a 2-0 lead in the three-match series with the victory on Sunday, ending Pakistan’s 16-year unbeaten run at Lord’s. The final Test will be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.
An emergency meeting was held at the Pakistan team hotel following the defeat, where officials discussed possible changes to the squad and team management, sources said.
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq are likely to return to Pakistan, while Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas are being considered for inclusion in the squad for Birmingham.
The reported changes come after Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in their first innings at Lord’s and ultimately lost the match by 194 runs.
Why is Imam-ul-Haq’s injury under scrutiny?
The PCB is considering sending Imam-ul-Haq back to Pakistan and may initiate a high-level inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his calf injury, according to sources.
The 30-year-old opener reported discomfort in his calf on the opening day of the Lord’s Test and subsequently did not bat in Pakistan’s second innings. His absence became significant as Pakistan struggled with the bat during the match.
The injury has also prompted renewed scrutiny because of previous concerns raised about Imam’s fitness and injury-related withdrawals.
According to the sources, a PCB inquiry committee in March 2025 had found Imam responsible for misrepresenting an injury during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand. The committee reportedly found no medical basis to declare him unfit after an X-ray showed no fracture or dislocation in his toe.
The committee had recommended disciplinary action, including a ban, after concluding that he had exaggerated his symptoms and misled medical staff. The report also alleged that Imam wanted to avoid opening against New Zealand’s fast bowlers.
The PCB is now expected to review the circumstances surrounding his latest injury before determining any further action.
Could Sarfaraz Ahmed lose his position as Test coach?
The future of red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has also come under scrutiny following Pakistan’s series defeat, with sources indicating that the PCB may review the Test coaching structure after the England tour.
White-ball head coach Mike Hesson is expected to join the Pakistan squad in Birmingham and become involved in preparations for the final Test. His reported involvement has led to speculation that he could eventually take responsibility for the Test side as well.
Hesson currently oversees Pakistan’s ODI and T20 teams. His potential involvement with the Test squad has not been officially confirmed by the PCB.
The PCB is expected to assess the coaching arrangement after the England series, with the possibility of changes to Sarfaraz’s position being considered.
Pakistan’s defeat at Lord’s has increased pressure on the team management after England took an unassailable lead in the series.
The result also ended Pakistan’s 16-year unbeaten record at Lord’s. According to the figures cited following the defeat, Pakistan now have 154 Test defeats against 153 victories in 473 matches, with the remaining 166 matches ending in draws.
With the final Test scheduled for Birmingham, Pakistan are expected to make a number of selection and management decisions as they seek to avoid a series whitewash against England.