Misbah-ul-Haq resigns as PCB selector after major shake-up

Misbah-ul-Haq has resigned from Pakistan's national selection committee less than 24 hours after a major shake-up that saw the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) replace seven members of Pakistan's Test squad in England on August 31. Misbah has also tendered his resignation as batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

In a knee-jerk reaction, the PCB released Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad from the Pakistan squad, which is currently in England for the ongoing three-match Test series. The board has announced Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah.

Interestingly, Ayub was playing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for Jamaica Kingsmen and has played just two first-class games since 2023. Mohammad Imran, who has only played eight first-class matches, has also been added to the squad.

The move also sees the release of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul from the team management. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke have been added to the team management. Pakistan have already conceded a series defeat 2-0 to England and have the third and final Test remaining. Pakistan will be desperate for a win in the third and final Test to salvage their pride.

Pakistan's tour of England 2026

Pakistan's updated squad for the third Test against England:

Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, 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