PCB adds four players to Pakistan Test squad for Sri Lanka series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has added pace-bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal, rookie fast bowler Ali Shabbir, batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif and pacer Saqib Khan to Pakistan’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka.

According to a PCB announcement on Saturday, Tayyab, Ali and Saqib have received their maiden call-ups to the national Test squad. The trio also featured in the Patron’s XI match against Sri Lanka at Islamabad Club from November 4 to 6.

Meanwhile, Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal have been released from the squad.

Aamir, who has represented Pakistan in nine Tests, three ODIs and six T20Is, recently impressed in the President’s Trophy Grade-I final, where he played a key role in Markhor IT Solutions’ victory.

He claimed seven wickets for 32 runs and scored 55 with the bat. He also represented Lahore Whites in the opening round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Gold, taking three wickets and scoring 74 and 23.

Right-handed batter Tayyab also had an impressive domestic season, scoring 727 runs in seven matches for Kingsmen Academy in the Departmental first-class tournament at an average of 66.09. His tally included three centuries.

The 19-year-old Ali has played eight first-class matches, taking 22 wickets. He also claimed three wickets against Sri Lanka in the practice match.

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

The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will begin on Monday, November 9, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

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.