Aamir Jamal, three uncapped players added to Pakistan Test squad for Sri Lanka series

Pakistan have bolstered their Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka with the inclusion of pace-bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal, rookie pacer Ali Shabbir, batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif and fast bowler Saqib Khan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the changes on Saturday, with Ali, Tayyab and Saqib receiving their maiden national call-ups. Meanwhile, Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal have been released from the squad.

The three newcomers recently represented the Patron’s XI in a practice match against Sri Lanka at Islamabad Club from 4 to 6 November.

Aamir, who has represented Pakistan in nine Tests, three ODIs and six T20Is, earned his recall following impressive performances in domestic cricket. He was named Player of the Final in the President’s Trophy Grade-I after producing a match-winning all-round performance, claiming seven wickets for 32 runs and scoring 55 to help Markhor IT Solutions secure the title.

He also captained Lahore Whites in the opening round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Gold, taking three wickets and scoring 74 and 23 runs.

Meanwhile, right-handed batter Tayyab enjoyed an impressive maiden season in the departmental first-class tournament, accumulating 727 runs in seven matches at an average of 66.09, including three centuries while leading Kingsmen Academy.

Nineteen-year-old fast bowler Ali Shabbir has featured in eight first-class matches, claiming 22 wickets. He also picked up three wickets against Sri Lanka in the recent practice match.

Saqib Khan, meanwhile, played a key role in Karachi Blues’ title-winning campaign in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, finishing with 47 wickets in nine matches at an average of 20.60. His best bowling figures in an innings were seven for 34.

The opening Test of the two-match series will commence on Monday, 9 November, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan’s 16-member Test squad:

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