LAHORE: Pakistan have made four changes to their squad for the upcoming two-match home Test series against Sri Lanka, bringing all-rounder Aamir Jamal and three uncapped players into the 16-member team ahead of the opening match in Rawalpindi on Monday.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Saturday that fast-bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal, pacers Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan, and right-handed batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif have been included in the squad following their impressive performances in domestic cricket.
Meanwhile, Abdullah Fazal and Ali Usman have been released from the original 14-member squad announced last month.
The latest additions come after the conclusion of the three-day practice match between PCB Patrons XI and Sri Lanka. The PCB had initially indicated that two fast bowlers would be added following the warm-up fixture. However, the selectors eventually opted to strengthen the squad with four players.
All four newcomers featured for PCB Patrons XI in the recently concluded practice match. While Shabbir, Saqib and Tayyab are yet to make their international debuts, Jamal brings valuable international experience, having represented Pakistan in nine Tests, three ODIs and six T20 Internationals.
Aamir Jamal’s Domestic Form Earns Recall
Jamal’s impressive performances in domestic cricket played a major role in his selection. The all-rounder was recently named Player of the Final in the President’s Trophy Grade-I, where he produced a match-winning performance for eventual champions Markhor IT Solutions.
He registered bowling figures of seven for 32 and contributed 55 runs with the bat to help his side secure the title.
Jamal also captained Lahore Whites in the opening round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Gold, claiming three wickets while scoring 74 and 23 in the match.
Tayyab Arif Impresses With First-Class Batting Record
Young batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif has also earned his maiden national call-up after an outstanding domestic season.
The right-hander accumulated 727 runs in seven matches in the Departmental first-class tournament, averaging 66.09. His tally included three centuries, making him one of the standout performers in his debut season.
Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan Strengthen Pace Attack
Nineteen-year-old fast bowler Ali Shabbir has earned selection after showing promise in first-class cricket. He has taken 22 wickets in eight first-class appearances and also claimed three wickets against Sri Lanka during the recent practice match.
Saqib Khan, meanwhile, enters the national setup after a highly productive Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 campaign.
Representing Karachi Blues, the fast bowler claimed 47 wickets in nine matches at an average of 20.60. His best performance was seven wickets for 34 runs, and he played a significant role in his team’s title-winning campaign.
The PCB did not specify the reasons behind the release of Abdullah Fazal and Ali Usman.
Updated Pakistan Squad for Sri Lanka Test Series
Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Muhammad Tayyab Arif, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas, Saqib Khan and Saud Shakeel.
Pakistan will host Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series, with the opening encounter scheduled to begin in Rawalpindi on Monday. The series provides Pakistan an opportunity to test their squad depth while giving several emerging domestic performers a chance to establish themselves at the international level.
