Key points
- Pakistan added Aamir Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan and Muhammad Tayyab Arif to their Test squad for the Sri Lanka series on November 7, 2026.
- The revised Pakistan squad has 16 players, with Babar Azam continuing as captain.
- Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan and Muhammad Tayyab Arif have earned maiden international call-ups.
- Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal have been released from the original 14-member squad.
- The first Test begins in Rawalpindi on November 9, with the second Test scheduled in Lahore from November 17 to 21.
- Aamir Jamal returns to the Test squad after strong domestic performances, including 7/32 and 55 in the President’s Trophy Grade-I final.
- The two-match series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Pakistan have expanded their Test squad to 16 players for the upcoming two-match ICC World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka, adding pace-bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal and three uncapped players. Fast bowler Ali Shabbir, pacer Saqib Khan and batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif have earned maiden international call-ups, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The additions follow the three-day practice match between the PCB Patron’s XI and Sri Lanka at the Islamabad Club from November 4 to 6. Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal have been released from the original 14-member squad, while Babar Azam remains captain for the home series.
Four additions strengthen Pakistan’s squad
Aamir Jamal returns to the Test setup after previously representing Pakistan in nine Tests, three ODIs and six T20Is. The 30-year-old has put together a strong run in domestic cricket, including a decisive performance in the President’s Trophy Grade-I final. He took seven wickets for 32 runs and scored 55, earning Player of the Final honours as Markhor IT Solutions secured the title.
Jamal also contributed with both bat and ball in the opening round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Gold, scoring 74 and 23 and taking three wickets while captaining Lahore Whites. His return adds an experienced seam-bowling all-round option to a squad that includes several young players.
The three first-time call-ups made an impression in domestic cricket and the recent warm-up match. Tayyab, a 19-year-old batter, scored 727 runs in seven first-class matches at an average of 66.09, including three centuries. Ali Shabbir, a fast bowler, has taken 22 wickets in eight first-class matches. Saqib Khan was among the leading wicket-takers in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, claiming 47 wickets in nine matches at an average of 20.60.
Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal released
The revised selection also brings two changes to the original squad announced in October. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman and batter Abdullah Fazal have been released, leaving the 16 players named in the updated list to prepare for the opening Test.
The initial 14-member squad had included three uncapped batters: Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha and Mohammad Suleman. Babar Azam was named captain, with established players such as Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Abbas also included. The later additions mean Pakistan now have a larger group of batting and pace-bowling options for the series.
The squad’s development has been shaped by the warm-up match in Islamabad, which provided selectors with an opportunity to assess players against Sri Lanka before the Tests. Ali Shabbir, Saqib and Tayyab were among the Patron’s XI players involved in that fixture.
Pakistan Test squad for Sri Lanka series
The updated 16-member squad is: Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Muhammad Tayyab Arif, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas, Saqib Khan and Saud Shakeel.
The selection combines experienced Test players with emerging domestic performers. Babar will lead a group that includes specialist batters, wicketkeeping options and a range of pace-bowling choices. Jamal’s return adds international experience, while the three debutants will be looking to translate their domestic form into opportunities at the highest level.
Two-Test series begins in Rawalpindi
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 9 and run through November 13. The teams will then move to Lahore for the second Test at Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21.
Both matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. The series offers Pakistan a home opportunity to improve their position in the competition, while Sri Lanka will seek valuable points on the tour. With the opening match only days away, the updated squad gives the Pakistan team management additional options after the final round of pre-series assessment.
For the newcomers, the selection marks an important step from domestic cricket into the international Test environment. Tayyab’s run-scoring and the wicket-taking records of Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan provide the basis for their call-ups, while Jamal’s return gives Pakistan an all-rounder with previous international experience. Their roles will become clearer as the team settles on its combination for Rawalpindi.
Frequently asked questions
Who has been added to Pakistan’s Test squad for the Sri Lanka series?
Pakistan have added Aamir Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan and Muhammad Tayyab Arif to the squad. Jamal returns to the Test setup, while Ali, Saqib and Tayyab have earned maiden international call-ups after domestic performances and the recent Patron’s XI practice match.
Who was released from Pakistan’s original Test squad?
Left-arm spinner Ali Usman and batter Abdullah Fazal have been released from the original 14-member squad. Their departures came as Pakistan added four players, taking the revised squad to 16 ahead of the two-Test home series against Sri Lanka.
Who will captain Pakistan in the Test series against Sri Lanka?
Babar Azam will continue to lead Pakistan in the two-match Test series. The revised 16-member squad includes experienced players such as Mohammad Abbas, Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha alongside young domestic performers receiving their first international call-ups.
When does the Pakistan versus Sri Lanka Test series begin?
The first Test is scheduled for November 9 to 13 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second Test will be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from November 17 to 21. Both fixtures are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Why was Aamir Jamal recalled to Pakistan’s Test squad?
Jamal earned his return after strong domestic performances. In the President’s Trophy Grade-I final, he took seven wickets for 32 runs and scored 55, helping Markhor IT Solutions win the title. He has previously represented Pakistan in nine Tests, three ODIs and six T20Is.
Which uncapped players received maiden call-ups for Pakistan?
Fast bowler Ali Shabbir, pacer Saqib Khan and batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif have received maiden international call-ups. Tayyab scored 727 first-class runs in seven matches, Ali Shabbir took 22 wickets in eight matches, and Saqib claimed 47 wickets in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.