Pakistan have announced an initial 14-member squad for their upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with three players earning their maiden Test call-ups. Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Suleman and Sameer Minhas have been included following impressive performances in domestic cricket, while former captain Shan Masood has been left out.
Salman Ali Agha and Ali Usman have also returned to the squad after being among seven players dropped midway through Pakistan’s tour of England in August. Babar Azam will continue as captain as Pakistan prepare for the home series, which begins in Rawalpindi on November 9.
Three Players Earn Maiden Test Call-Ups
The selection committee has rewarded three promising batters with opportunities at the highest level following their performances in the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-I first-class competition.
Mohammad Taha has been the standout performer, leading the tournament’s run charts with 730 runs in seven matches. The 26-year-old left-hander has scored three centuries, including a highest score of 225, making a strong case for his inclusion in the national squad.
Mohammad Suleman has also impressed in the competition. He currently ranks fifth among the leading run-scorers, with 652 runs and three centuries to his name.
Meanwhile, Sameer Minhas has scored 405 runs in seven matches during his first season of first-class cricket. Having progressed through the Pakistan Under-19 system, his selection represents an important step in his development.
The trio will now have an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities within Pakistan’s senior Test setup.
Babar Azam to Lead Pakistan
Babar Azam remains captain for the Sri Lanka series, but several familiar names are missing from the squad.
Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood have not been included. Rizwan and Imam were among the seven players sent home during the England tour, while Masood has also missed out on selection for the upcoming series.
Rizwan has separately been the subject of an inquiry by Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency after his phone was seized in London on the night the Lord’s Test concluded. His absence from the squad comes amid that reported development, although no direct connection between the inquiry and his non-selection has been established in the information provided.
The selectors have instead opted to introduce new faces and bring back players who were dropped during the England tour.
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Players Retain Places After England Tour
Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Razaullah and Saad Baig have retained their places after being drafted into the squad for the final Test against England at Edgbaston.
Their continued inclusion provides some continuity as Pakistan prepare for the Sri Lanka series.
However, experienced spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali have not been named in the initial 14-member squad. The selection leaves Pakistan with further decisions to make regarding their bowling combination ahead of the opening Test.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will also add two fast bowlers from the PCB Patron’s XI after the team’s three-day match against the touring Sri Lankan side concludes.
Pakistan’s Initial Test Squad
The 14-member squad announced for the series is as follows:
- Babar Azam (Captain)
- Abdullah Fazal
- Ali Usman
- Arafat Minhas
- Azan Awais
- Mohammad Abbas
- Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (Wicketkeeper)
- Mohammad Suleman
- Mohammad Taha
- Razaullah
- Saad Baig (Wicketkeeper)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Sameer Minhas
- Saud Shakeel
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule
The two-match series will begin in Rawalpindi before moving to Lahore for the second Test.
- First Test: November 9–13, Rawalpindi
- Second Test: November 17–21, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
With three uncapped players receiving their first Test call-ups and several established names missing out, the series presents an opportunity for Pakistan to assess emerging talent while building a competitive combination for the longer format.
The addition of two more fast bowlers after the Patron’s XI fixture will complete the squad ahead of the opening Test.