Babar Azam to lead Pakistan as three uncapped players earn maiden Test call-ups for Sri Lanka series

Pace-bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal has also earned a recall, joining fast bowler Ali Shabbir, right-handed batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif and pacer Saqib Khan in the expanded squad. The three newcomers have received their maiden call-ups to the national Test side following impressive performances in domestic cricket.

The PCB confirmed the selections on Saturday, November 7, while announcing that Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal had been released from the Test squad. The board did not specify the reasons behind their release.

Ali Shabbir, Tayyab and Saqib were all part of the Patron's XI side that faced Sri Lanka in a three-day practice match at Islamabad Club from November 4 to 6. Their inclusion comes just days before Pakistan begin their campaign against the visitors.

Tayyab has emerged as one of the most impressive batting prospects following a prolific run in the Departmental first-class tournament. Leading Kingsmen Academy, the right-handed batter accumulated 727 runs in seven matches at an outstanding average of 66.09.

His maiden season in the competition included three centuries, making him one of the standout performers to earn national recognition. Nineteen-year-old Ali Shabbir has also secured his first international opportunity after making an impression with the ball.

The fast bowler has featured in eight first-class matches, claiming 22 wickets. He also picked up three wickets against Sri Lanka during the recent practice match. Saqib Khan's selection follows an equally impressive campaign in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26.

Playing a key role in Karachi Blues' title-winning run, the fast bowler claimed 47 wickets in nine matches at an average of 20.60. His best bowling figures in the tournament were seven for 34, highlighting his ability to deliver match-changing performances.

Aamir Jamal's recall adds an experienced pace-bowling all-rounder to Pakistan's options. The 29-year-old has represented the country in nine Tests, three One-Day Internationals and six T20 Internationals. He recently delivered an outstanding performance in the President's Trophy Grade-I final, earning Player of the Final honours.

His seven-wicket haul for 32 runs, alongside a valuable 55-run contribution with the bat, helped Markhor IT Solutions secure the title. Jamal also captained Lahore Whites in the opening round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Gold, taking three wickets and scoring 74 and 23 in the match.

Pakistan's Test series schedule. The two-match series will begin at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 9, with the opening Test scheduled to run until November 13. The teams will then travel to Lahore for the second encounter at Gaddafi Stadium, beginning on November 17 and concluding on November 21.

Pakistan's expanded 16-member squad will be led by Babar Azam and includes a mix of established international players and emerging domestic performers.

Pakistan Test squad: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.