Pakistan Test Squad: Aamir Jamal and Three Uncapped Players Added for Sri Lanka Series

The Pakistan Test squad for the home series against Sri Lanka has been strengthened with four additions, including three uncapped players. On Saturday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) brought in all-rounder Aamir Jamal, batter Mohammad Tayyab Arif and fast bowlers Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman and batter Abdullah Fazal have been released from the original squad.

The changes come two days before the first Test starts in Rawalpindi on Monday, 9 November. As a result, Babar Azam’s side now has 16 players to choose from.

Pakistan Test squad: who is new

The three newcomers all played for the PCB Patron’s XI against Sri Lanka in the warm-up fixture played over three days at the Islamabad Club, 4 to 6 November, Dawn reported. Their call-ups are a reward for strong domestic seasons.

Mohammad Tayyab Arif: The 19-year-old right-hander from Sialkot scored 727 runs in seven first-class matches at an average of 66.09. That included three centuries in his first season.
Ali Shabbir: Also 19, the fast bowler has 22 first-class wickets from eight games. He claimed three more in the warm-up game.
Saqib Khan: The pacer took 47 wickets in nine matches at 20.60 as Karachi Blues won the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy. His best figures were 7 for 34.

Meanwhile, Aamir Jamal returns after a strong run in domestic cricket. He has played nine Tests for Pakistan. In the President’s Trophy final, he took 7 for 32 and scored 55, earning the player-of-the-final award, according to Dawn.

Revised 16-man squad

Babar Azam (captain), Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Azan Awais, Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Tayyab Arif, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Arafat Minhas, Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Abbas, Razaullah, Mohammad Suleman, Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan.

A young squad with an experienced spearhead

The selectors had already picked several young players in the original squad, announced in October. These included Mohammad Taha, Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Suleman and Razaullah. Razaullah made a big impression when he debuted against England at Edgbaston this year. He took four wickets and smashed a rapid 81.

However, the attack will still be led by a veteran. Mohammad Abbas, 36, has taken more than 110 Test wickets. He said he hopes to claim his first five-wicket haul at home, Dawn reported.

Abbas also praised the board for backing young players. At the same time, he warned against underestimating the visitors. He stressed the need to read conditions well and perform consistently.

Warm-up defeat raises questions

The warm-up match did not go well for the home side. Sri Lanka beat the Patron’s XI by 142 runs, The Nation reported. One bright spot was Tayyab Arif, who hit a brisk 32 from 31 balls.

Even so, the selectors chose to reward performances over a single result. In addition, the extra pace options give captain Babar Azam more choice for the Rawalpindi pitch.

Why this series matters

Both matches count towards the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. Pakistan are currently bottom of the table, while Sri Lanka are seventh. Therefore, a series win is important for Pakistan’s hopes of climbing the standings.

Kusal Mendis captains a 15-player Sri Lanka squad. It includes experienced players such as Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva and spinner Prabath Jayasuriya.

The record between the two sides is fairly close. Pakistan have won 23 of their 59 Tests against Sri Lanka, lost 17 and drawn 19. The last series between them in Pakistan, in 2019-20, ended 1-0 to Pakistan.

Series schedule

First Test: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, from 9 November
Second Test: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, 17 to 21 November

All eyes will now be on whether any of the new faces make their debut in Rawalpindi. The final playing XI is expected to be named closer to the start of the match.