The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced an initial 14-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Suleman and Sameer Minhas earning their maiden Test call-ups. Babar Azam will continue to lead the side, while Salman Ali Agha and Ali Usman have also returned to the squad after being dropped during Pakistan's tour of England in August.
Taha, Suleman and Sameer have earned their places following impressive performances in domestic cricket. Taha has been the leading run-scorer in the ongoing President's Trophy Grade-I first-class competition, accumulating 730 runs in seven matches, including three centuries and a highest score of 225.
Babar Azam will captain the team, but there is no place for Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq in the initial squad. Both players were among the seven cricketers sent home during Pakistan's tour of England.
Rizwan has also been the subject of an inquiry by Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency after his phone was seized in London on the night the Lord's Test concluded.
The PCB has also confirmed that two additional fast bowlers will be added to the squad from the PCB Patron's XI after their three-day match against the touring side concludes.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule
The two-match Test series will begin in Rawalpindi, with the opening match scheduled from November 9 to 13. The second Test will take place at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21.
Pakistan will look to build a competitive squad by combining experienced players with promising domestic performers as they prepare for the upcoming series.
Pakistan's Test Squad
Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas and Saud Shakeel.