Pakistan add four players to Test squad for Sri Lanka series
The Pakistan Cricket Board added four players to the Test squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka. The first Test begins in Rawalpindi on November 9.
- Aamir Jamal returns; Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan and Muhammad Tayyab Arif get maiden call-ups
- Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal released from the squad
- First Test starts at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 9
The Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Saturday that four players have been added to the Test squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka, according to The Express Tribune. The opening Test is scheduled to begin at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 9.
The additions are pace-bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal, fast bowlers Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan, and batsman Muhammad Tayyab Arif. Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan and Muhammad Tayyab Arif have earned their maiden international call-ups. Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal were released from the squad. Babar Azam is named as captain of the squad.
Aamir Jamal has played nine Tests, three one-day internationals and six Twenty20 internationals for Pakistan. He was named player of the final in the President's Trophy Grade-I after taking 7-32 and scoring 55 runs, helping Markhor IT Solutions win the title. He also scored 74 and 23 and took three wickets while leading Lahore Whites in the opening round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Gold.
Muhammad Tayyab Arif scored 727 runs in seven matches for Kingsmen Academy in the departmental first-class tournament, at an average of 66.09. He made three centuries in that competition.
Ali Shabbir is 19 years old. He has taken 22 wickets in eight first-class matches, and he took three wickets against Sri Lanka in the practice match.
Saqib Khan took 47 wickets in nine matches at an average of 20.60 during Karachi Blues' title-winning Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 campaign. His best figures in that campaign were 7-34.
The three newcomers played in the Patron's XI match against Sri Lanka at Islamabad Club from November 4 to 6.
Background
khabr.pk reported on 5 November that the PCB had decided to prepare fast pitches for the two-Test home series against Sri Lanka. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by three wickets in the tri-nation ODI final in Lahore, as reported on 1 November.
Why it matters
Cricket fans in Pakistan follow national selections closely, and the squad changes shape the team that will play the home Test series against Sri Lanka. Three domestic performers get their first national call-ups, which shows how the squad draws on first-class form.
