- Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq likely to be sent back to Pakistan: sources.
- Saim, Arafat expected to be included in Birmingham squad.
- PCB may launch high-level inquiry into Imam’s injury: sources.
Pakistan are considering major changes ahead of the third and final Test against England after suffering a heavy defeat at Lord’s.
England beat Pakistan by 194 runs on Sunday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The final Test will take place at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.
According to sources, Pakistan held an emergency meeting at the team hotel after the defeat. Officials discussed possible changes to the squad and coaching set-up.
Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq could return to Pakistan. Meanwhile, Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas could join the squad for the Birmingham Test.
PCB Could Investigate Imam-ul-Haq Injury
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may also launch a high-level inquiry into Imam-ul-Haq’s calf injury, according to sources.
The 30-year-old batter felt discomfort in his calf on the first day at Lord’s. He later missed Pakistan’s second innings.
His absence created further problems for Pakistan. The team collapsed for 110 in its first innings.
Media reports have also raised questions about the nature of Imam’s injury. Some former cricketers have questioned whether the injury was genuine.
The PCB could now assess the injury and examine why Imam withdrew from the match.
Sources also claim that some PCB officials have previously raised concerns about Imam’s injury-related issues.
In March 2025, a PCB inquiry committee reportedly found Imam responsible for misrepresenting an injury during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand.
The committee found no medical evidence of a fracture or dislocation after an X-ray examination of his toe.
It concluded that Imam had exaggerated his symptoms and misled medical staff. The committee recommended a ban on his representing Pakistan across all formats and levels.
The inquiry also alleged that Imam wanted to avoid opening against New Zealand’s fast bowlers on challenging pitches.
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Future Under Pressure
Red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed could also face an uncertain future after Pakistan’s poor performance in England.
White-ball coach Mike Hesson is expected to become more involved with the Test team. Reports suggest he could join the squad in Birmingham for the final Test.
Hesson had travelled to London with Director High-Performance Centre Aqib Javed for a dinner hosted by Prince Charles. He could now oversee matters involving the Test side.
His reported involvement has increased speculation about a possible change in Pakistan’s coaching structure.
Hesson already oversees Pakistan’s ODI and T20 teams. He could eventually take charge of the Test side as well, although the PCB has not officially confirmed such a move.
Sarfaraz could leave his role as red-ball coach after the England tour. The PCB is expected to review the coaching structure following the team’s disappointing results.
Pakistan Face Historic Test Record
England’s victory at Lord’s ended Pakistan’s 16-year unbeaten run at the venue.
The defeat also gave England an unassailable 2-0 series lead before the final Test in Birmingham.
Pakistan now face a difficult rebuilding period. The team has recorded more Test defeats than victories for the first time since 1987.
Pakistan have suffered 154 Test defeats and recorded 153 victories in 473 matches. The remaining 166 Tests have ended in draws.
With the final Test approaching, Pakistan could enter Birmingham with significant changes to both the squad and coaching set-up.
