PCB Announces Test Squad Against Sri Lanka as Agha Returns

Salman Ali Agha has earned a recall to Pakistan’s Test squad for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka, while three uncapped players have been named in the initial 14-member group. PCB announces Test squad against Sri Lanka, with Babar Azam set to lead the side in the two-match series forming part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.

Agha returns for Test squad selection after producing two major innings in the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-I 2026/27. The all-rounder scored a triple century and a century for Kingsmen Academy after being among seven players dropped during Pakistan’s away series against England in August and September.

The selectors have also recalled left-arm spinner Ali Usman, who missed the third Test against England. Usman became the first overseas player since 1972 to take a five-wicket haul at Headingley in August. Meanwhile, domestic performers Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha and Mohammad Suleman have received their maiden Test call-ups.

Taha Leads Domestic Run Charts

Taha’s selection follows a prolific campaign in the President’s Trophy Grade-I, where he has scored 730 runs in seven matches, including three centuries and a highest score of 225. Suleman has accumulated 652 runs with three centuries, while Sameer has made 405 runs in seven appearances.

Experienced seamer Mohammad Abbas remains part of the initial group after sharing the player-of-the-series award in Pakistan’s most recent red-ball assignment. He is expected to lead the pace attack, although two additional fast-bowling positions will be filled after the upcoming warm-up fixture.

Five Pacers Compete for Final Places

Pakistan’s preparations include a three-day match between the PCB Patron’s XI and Sri Lanka’s Test squad in Islamabad from November 4 to 6. Saad Baig will captain the Patron’s XI, which also features Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha and Sameer Minhas.

Mohammad Salman, Shoaib Akhtar Jnr, Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan and Ubaid Shah will compete for the two remaining fast-bowling spots in Pakistan’s final squad.

Two Tests Scheduled Across Rawalpindi and Lahore

The series will begin at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 9, with the opening Test running until November 13. The second match will take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21.

Pakistan’s Initial Test Squad

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas and Saud Shakeel.