Pakistan has announced a 14-member Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka, featuring several changes after a difficult tour of England. Former captain Salman Agha has earned a recall. Babar Azam will continue to lead the team through the two matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
The two-Test series forms part of the World Test Championship. Pakistan currently occupies the ninth and final position in the standings, while Sri Lanka sits in seventh place. The first Test is scheduled for November 9 to 13 in Rawalpindi, followed by the second match in Lahore from November 17 to 21.
Agha was one of seven players sent home from Pakistan’s tour of England in August. The visitors lost that series 3-0. Although the 32-year-old was omitted from the T20 series against Sri Lanka earlier this month, he returned to form during the ongoing home One-Day International series by scoring a century last Sunday.
While Agha has worked his way back into the Test setup, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is out of favour. Rizwan was also among the group expelled during the England tour. He is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the country’s cybercrime agency.
Earlier in the week, the Pakistan Cricket Board permitted Rizwan to participate in a domestic match. He is one of five players from the England tour who are excluded from this latest squad selection.
Left-arm spinner Ali Usman has also been recalled by selectors. Usman was sent home from the England tour before the third and final Test match.
The squad features three uncapped batters who earned selection after strong performances in domestic cricket. Mohammad Taha, Sameer Minhas, and Mohammad Suleman have all been included in the 14-player list.
The complete 14-member squad comprises Babar Azam as captain, alongside Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Salman Agha, Sameer Minhas, and Saud Shakeel.
