![Pakistan cricket team [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794047448330_Pakistanteamupdated.jpg?type=hq)
Pakistan cricket team [Source: AFP]
Pakistan have made fresh additions to their Test squad ahead of the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka, bringing in four players following their recent domestic performances.
The latest changes have opened the door for three uncapped players to make their international debuts, while an experienced all-rounder also returns to the national setup. Meanwhile, Abdullah Fazal and Ali Usman lose their places from the unit as Pakistan prepare for the first Test, which begins on November 9 in Rawalpindi.
PCB make major changes in Pakistan’s Test squad for Sri Lanka Series
The Pakistan Cricket Board has strengthened its Test squad with four additions ahead of the two-match series against Sri Lanka. Pace-bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal joins the squad alongside three fresh faces in Ali Shabbir, Muhammad Tayyab Arif and Saqib Khan.
While Aamir brings previous international experience, Tayyab, Ali and Saqib have earned their maiden Pakistan call-ups. All three recently featured in the Patron’s XI fixture against Sri Lanka at the Islamabad Club, which was played from November 4 to 6.
Meanwhile, Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal, two key players of the team, have been released from the national Test squad, without any official statement being issued displaying the reason behind the call.
Pakistan’s updated 16-member Test squad for Sri Lanka series:
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.
The selection comes after some impressive performances in Pakistan’s domestic circuit. Aamir, who has represented Pakistan in nine Tests, three ODIs and six T20Is, recently made headlines in the President’s Trophy Grade-I final. He delivered a match-winning performance with the ball, claiming seven wickets for 32 runs, while also contributing 55 runs with the bat to help Markhor IT Solutions secure the title.
The all-rounder also captained Lahore Whites in the opening round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Gold, where he picked up three wickets and registered scores of 74 and 23.
Who are the three new faces to earn maiden call-ups?
Among the new entrants, right-handed batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif has earned his place after an impressive first-class campaign. Leading Kingsmen Academy in the Departmental first-class tournament, the batter accumulated 727 runs in seven matches at an average of 66.09.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old fast bowler Ali Shabbir has made his way into the national setup after featuring in eight first-class matches, where he has claimed 22 wickets.
Saqib Khan, on the other hand, arrives with an impressive domestic record. The fast bowler played a key role in Karachi Blues in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with 47 wickets from nine matches at an average of 20.60, including a best bowling return of seven for 34.
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