Pakistan's squad announced for Test series against Sri Lanka; Babar Azam appointed captain
Published 1 hour ago | By Nouman Shakeel
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 14-member national squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, to be led by Babar Azam. Three players have been included in the Test squad for the first time, while two additional fast bowlers will be added to the national team following a warm-up match.
A three-day warm-up match has also been arranged to assist with preparations for the series against Sri Lanka, for which a 13-member 'Patron’s Squad' has been formed. This side will be captained by Saad Baig.
Who is in the national Test squad?
Sameer Minhas, Muhammad Taha, and Muhammad Suleman have been included in the national Test squad for the first time. The team also features Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Muhammad Abbas, Razaullah, and Saud Shakeel.
Wicketkeepers Ghazi Ghouri and Saad Baig, along with Salman Ali Agha and left-arm spinner Ali Usman, are also part of the squad.
Once the warm-up match concludes, two additional fast bowlers from the Patron’s Squad will be added to the Test team.
Schedule for the Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka Test matches
The first Test of the series will be played from November 9 to 13 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the second match will take place from November 17 to 21 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
A three-day warm-up match is scheduled to be held at the Islamabad Club from November 4 to 6, providing the Patron’s Squad—and the national team—an opportunity for pre-series preparation.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up Match | November 4–6 | Islamabad Club |
| 1st Test | November 9–13 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 2nd Test | November 17–21 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
Players in the Patron’s Squad
The 13-member Patron’s squad announced for the warm-up match includes Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Muhammad Suleman, Muhammad Taha, and Sameer Minhas.
Additionally, fast bowlers Muhammad Salman, Shoaib Akhtar Junior, Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan, Ubaid Shah, and Muhammad Tayyab Arif have also been included in the team. The squad will be led by wicketkeeper Saad Baig.
