Pakistan Add Four Players to Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced four additions to Pakistan’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka, bringing fresh talent into the national side ahead of the opening Test.

Pace-bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal, rookie fast bowler Ali Shabbir, batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif and pacer Saqib Khan have been included in the squad.

The call-ups mark the first time Pakistan will represent the country at Test level for Ali Shabbir, Tayyab Arif and Saqib Khan. All three players also featured in the Patron’s XI match against Sri Lanka, played at Islamabad Club from November 4 to 6.

Meanwhile, Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal have been released from the Test squad.

Aamir Jamal Returns to Pakistan Test Squad

Aamir Jamal brings international experience to the team, having represented Pakistan in nine Tests, three ODIs and six T20Is.

He recently delivered an impressive performance in the President’s Trophy Grade-I final, earning Player of the Match honours. His figures of seven wickets for 32 runs, along with a valuable 55-run contribution with the bat, helped Markhor IT Solutions secure the title.

Aamir also captained Lahore Whites in the opening round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Gold, taking three wickets and scoring 74 and 23 runs.

Tayyab Arif Earns Maiden Test Call-Up

Right-handed batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif has earned his maiden national Test call-up following an outstanding domestic season.

Leading Kingsmen Academy in the Departmental First-Class Tournament, Tayyab scored 727 runs in seven matches at an impressive average of 66.09. His tally included three centuries.

Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan Join National Squad

Nineteen-year-old fast bowler Ali Shabbir has played eight first-class matches, claiming 22 wickets. He also impressed against Sri Lanka in the recent practice match, picking up three wickets.

Meanwhile, Saqib Khan played a key role in Karachi Blues’ title-winning campaign in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

The right-arm pacer claimed 47 wickets in nine matches at an average of 20.60, with his best bowling figures being seven for 34.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka First Test Schedule

The opening Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin on Monday, November 9, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The two-match series will provide Pakistan an opportunity to test its squad depth while giving three uncapped players their first chance to represent the country in Test cricket.

16-member Pakistan Test squad

Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Muhammad Tayyab Arif, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas, Saqib Khan and Saud Shakeel.