Babar Azam will lead Pakistan in the two-match World Test Championship series, while Mohammad Taha, Sameer Minhas and Mohammad Suleman receive maiden Test selections.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced an initial 14-member Test squad for the upcoming two-match ICC World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from November 9 to 21.
The selectors have also named a 13-member PCB Patron’s XI for a three-day warm-up fixture against Sri Lanka, scheduled for November 4 to 6 at the Islamabad Club. Two fast bowlers will be added to Pakistan’s Test squad from the Patron’s XI after the practice match concludes.
Babar Azam will continue as Pakistan’s Test captain for the home series. Several players, including Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Baig, Razaullah and Saud Shakeel, have retained their places in the squad.
Left-arm spinner Ali Usman and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha have also been included as Pakistan prepare for the crucial World Test Championship fixtures.
Three Batters Receive Maiden Test Call-Ups
The major highlight of the squad announcement is the inclusion of three uncapped batters: Mohammad Taha, Sameer Minhas and Mohammad Suleman.
Left-handed batter Taha has been in outstanding form in the President’s Trophy Grade-I first-class competition. The 26-year-old has accumulated 730 runs in seven matches, including three centuries and a highest score of 225.
Mohammad Suleman has also impressed in the same tournament, scoring 652 runs with three centuries. His performances have placed him fifth on the competition’s batting charts, strengthening his case for international selection.
Meanwhile, Sameer Minhas has earned his maiden Test call-up after a promising start to his first-class career. Playing his debut season in the format, the batter has scored 405 runs in seven matches. His previous performances for Pakistan’s Under-19 side have also contributed to his growing reputation.
Saad Baig to Captain Patron’s XI
Wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig will lead the PCB Patron’s XI in the warm-up match against Sri Lanka. Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha and Sameer Minhas will also feature in the fixture.
The squad’s pace options include Mohammad Salman, Shoaib Akhtar Jnr, Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan and Ubaid Shah, while Mohammad Tayyab Arif completes the lineup.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule
The three-day warm-up match will take place at Islamabad Club from November 4 to 6.
The opening Test is scheduled for November 9 to 13 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the second Test will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21.
Pakistan will aim to make the most of home conditions as the team continues its World Test Championship campaign against Sri Lanka.