LAHORE – Pakistan Cricket Board named 14-member squad for next month’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with Babar Azam named captain and three uncapped players earning their first call-ups in a selection that brings fresh talent into the national red-ball setup.
The squad is a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging cricketers, with Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha and Mohammad Suleman receiving their maiden Test squad selections.
Men in Green will begin preparations with 14 players before adding two more fast bowlers following a three-day warm-up fixture in Islamabad. The additional pacers will be chosen from a 13-member Patron’s XI squad, giving the selectors another opportunity to assess bowling options before the opening Test.
New Players in Pakistan’s Test Squad
Babar Azam will lead a squad that includes established names such as Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Abbas, alongside several younger players looking to make their mark in international cricket.
Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha and Mohammad Suleman are among the notable inclusions, having been selected for the national Test squad for the first time.
The selection also includes Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais and Razaullah, while Ghazi Ghori and Saad Baig have been named as wicketkeeping options.
Left-arm spinner Ali Usman has also secured a place in the squad.
Pakistan’s 14-Member Test Squad
Player
Role
Babar Azam
Captain
Sameer Minhas
Player
Mohammad Taha
Player
Mohammad Suleman
Player
Abdullah Fazal
Player
Arafat Minhas
Player
Azan Awais
Player
Mohammad Abbas
Fast bowler
Razaullah
Player
Saud Shakeel
Batter
Ghazi Ghori
Wicketkeeper
Saad Baig
Wicketkeeper
Salman Ali Agha
All-rounder
Ali Usman
Left-arm spinner
Pakistan will open the series against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 9, with the first Test scheduled to conclude on November 13. The teams will then travel to Lahore for the second and final Test at Gaddafi Stadium, scheduled from November 17 to 21.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule
Match
Dates
Venue
First Test
November 9–13, 2026
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Second Test
November 17–21, 2026
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Before the international series begins, a three-day practice match will be held at Islamabad Club from November 4 to 6. Saad Baig has been entrusted with the captaincy of the 13-member Patron’s XI, which includes several players also named in the national Test squad.
The fixture will carry additional significance for the fast bowlers, as two of them will be promoted to Pakistan’s Test squad after the match.
The Patron’s XI features Mohammad Salman, Shoaib Akhtar Junior, Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan, Ubaid Shah and Mohammad Tayyab Arif among its bowling options.
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