Pakistan Announces Squad for Upcoming Test Series Against Sri Lanka

The Pakistan Cricket Board has unveiled a 14-member squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, highlighting the return of all-rounder Salman Ali Agha and the inclusion of promising young players. Under the leadership of Babar Azam, the team aims to improve its standings in the ICC World Test Championship. The series is set to commence on November 9 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by the second Test in Lahore. Read on to find out more about the squad and match details.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 24, 2026, 20:42 IST

Pakistan's 14-Member Team for Sri Lanka Test Series

Lahore. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed a 14-member squad for the upcoming home Test series against Sri Lanka, marking the return of all-rounder Salman Ali Agha. Notably, he was among the seven players who were dropped from the team during the foreign Test series against England in August-September.

Salman Ali Agha has secured his spot back in the national team due to his outstanding performance in domestic cricket. He recently scored a triple century and a century while playing for Kingsmen Academy in the ongoing President's Trophy Grade-1, making it hard for selectors to overlook him.

Additionally, experienced left-arm spinner Ali Usman has also been reinstated in the Test squad. He achieved the remarkable feat of taking five wickets at Headingley, becoming the first foreign player to do so since 1972. However, he was dropped from the team just before the third Test against England.

Under the captaincy of star batsman Babar Azam, the announced team includes three young players who have made a significant impact in domestic cricket: Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha, and Mohammad Suleman. Veteran fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has also been retained for this crucial Test series against Sri Lanka.

As for the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings, Pakistan is currently struggling at the bottom of the table. The team has played nine Test matches in the current cycle, winning only two and suffering defeats in seven. In contrast, Sri Lanka has secured one win, two losses, and three draws in six Test matches, placing them seventh in the standings. Australia leads the table, followed by New Zealand and South Africa in second and third places, respectively, with Bangladesh and India in fourth and fifth.

The 14-member squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka includes Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazzal, Ali Usman, Arafat Minhas, Ajan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Gori (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Razauallah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas, and Saud Shakeel. The schedule for this exciting Test series has also been finalized, with the first match set to take place from November 9 to 13 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by the second and final Test from November 17 to 21 at the historic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.