PCB Announces Major Team Changes After 194-Run Defeat to England The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced sweeping changes to its Test squad following a crushing 194-run loss to England in the second Test at Lord’s. The defeat, which left Pakistan 0-2 down in the three-match series, prompted immediate action from the board, which has decided to overhaul the team ahead of the third Test. The overhaul includes the removal of seven players from the squad, along with significant adjustments to the coaching staff. The decision to reshuffle the team came swiftly after the match, which saw Pakistan’s batting collapse and a lackluster bowling performance. The PCB confirmed that the seven players dropped include veteran wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, opener Imam-ul-Haq, and former captain Salman Akram. Additionally, fast bowlers Ali Usman, Amir Jamal, and Mohammad Azam Jafar, as well as all-rounder Khurram Shahzad, have been excluded from the squad. The board cited poor form and injury concerns as key factors in these decisions. In place of the dropped players, the PCB has selected seven newcomers for the Test squad. Among them are experienced players like Saif Ayub and Abdul Fazal, who have already played Test cricket. The remaining selections include young talents such as Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Junior, Sad Begg, and Rajaul Islam. These changes aim to inject fresh energy into the team ahead of the crucial third Test. The coaching staff has also undergone restructuring. Head coach Sarfraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been removed from their roles. Their responsibilities will be temporarily taken over by white-ball coach Mike Hesson and assistant coach Ashley Noffke during the remainder of the series. The PCB has not yet announced permanent replacements for these positions.#pcb #modahar_rizwan #imam_ul_haq #salman_akram #ali_usman
