Pakistan announce Test squad for Sri Lanka series: Mohammad Rizwan left out, Babar Azam to lead, full squad details

Pakistan have announced a 14-member Test squad for the upcoming two-match ICC World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka, with Babar Azam set to lead the side. The Pakistan Test squad for the Sri Lanka series features several changes, including the omission of senior wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and the inclusion of three players receiving their maiden Test call-ups.

The Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka Tests includes young performers who have impressed in domestic cricket. Mohammad Taha, Sameer Minhas and Mohammad Suleman have earned their first Test selections after producing promising performances with the bat. The Pakistan Test squad announced by the PCB reflects a focus on rewarding domestic form and building the team for the upcoming WTC fixtures.

Alongside the main squad, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named a 13-member PCB Patron’s XI for a three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka. The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series 2026 will begin with the first Test in Rawalpindi on November 9, followed by the second Test in Lahore from November 17. The series is part of the Pakistan WTC 2025-27 Sri Lanka Tests campaign.

Pakistan Test squad for Sri Lanka series: Rizwan out, Babar Azam captain and 3 maiden call-ups

Babar Azam will captain Pakistan in the two-Test series, while Mohammad Rizwan, Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq have been left out of the squad. Rizwan’s omission is a major talking point in the PAK vs SL Test squad announcement. The decision follows scrutiny over recent performances, including Pakistan’s series loss in England, where Rizwan and other senior players were released mid-tour. The PCB is now focusing on younger players and rewarding consistent performers in domestic cricket.

The biggest new additions are Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha and Mohammad Suleman, who have earned maiden call-ups. Taha has scored 730 runs in seven President’s Trophy Grade-I matches, including three centuries and a highest score of 225. Suleman has made 652 runs in the same competition, also hitting three centuries. Sameer, playing his first first-class season, has scored 405 runs in seven matches. Their selections add fresh batting options to the Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka Tests.

Pakistan Test squad vs Sri Lanka: 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.

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PCB Patron’s XI squad for the three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka

Wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig will captain the PCB Patron’s XI squad for the three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka from November 4 to 6 at Islamabad Club. The match will give Pakistan’s selected players an opportunity to prepare before the Test series begins.

From the main Test squad, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha and Sameer Minhas will feature in the warm-up match. Their participation will give the selectors another chance to assess their form ahead of the first Test.

The pace attack includes Ali Shabbir, Mohammad Salman, Saqib Khan, Shoaib Akhtar Jnr and Ubaid Shah, while batter Mohammad Tayyab Arif completes the squad. The Pakistan-Sri Lanka warm-up match Islamabad Club fixture will be important preparation for the upcoming series, with the PCB set to add two pacers from the Patron’s XI to the main Test squad after the match concludes on November 6.

PCB Patron’s XI squad: Saad Baig (c, wk), Abdullah Fazal, Ali Shabbir, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Mohammad Salman, Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Saqib Khan, Sameer Minhas, Shoaib Akhtar Jnr and Ubaid Shah.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series schedule: Dates and venues

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series schedule 2026 begins with a three-day warm-up match before the two official Tests. The opening Test will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the second match.

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The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Rawalpindi match will mark the start of the two teams’ WTC series, with the second Test following in Lahore. Pakistan will look to make a strong start at home, while the selected newcomers will have an opportunity to establish themselves in the Test setup.