ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released seven players from the Pakistan Test squad following what it described as underwhelming performances.
According to the PCB, Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman, Owais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad have been released from the squad.
Seven replacement players have subsequently been added to the Test squad. Five of the replacements are yet to make their Test debuts, while two have previously represented Pakistan in Test cricket.
The replacement players include Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Junior, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razaullah.
The newly added players will join the Pakistan squad in England before the third Test.
The PCB has also released head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul from the Test team setup.
16 Years Later, Pakistan Suffer Test Defeat at Lord’s as England Seal Series
Earlier, Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat against England in the second Test at Lord’s on Sunday, allowing the hosts to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chasing a target of 389 runs, Pakistan were bowled out for 194 in their second innings. Saud Shakeel was Pakistan’s top scorer with 97 runs, falling just three runs short of a well-deserved century.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood scored 26 runs, while Babar Azam and Azaan Awais were dismissed for six runs each. Mohammad Rizwan managed just one run, while Abdullah Shafique was dismissed for a duck.
The defeat marked Pakistan’s first Test loss at Lord’s in 16 years and handed England a decisive series victory.
Pakistan now trail 0-2 in the three-match series, with the third and final Test still to be played.
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