Pakistan’s cricket squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka has notably omitted Shan Masood, with Babar Azam stepping up as captain. Masood, who has led most of the Test matches over the last three years, is missing due to ongoing fitness issues from an injury picked up in the President’s Trophy, coupled with a lacklustre tour of England. This absence comes amid significant changes in the squad post the England tour. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did not provide any explanation for Masood’s exclusion and did not respond to queries from Cricinfo on the matter.
This selection overhaul has influenced the domestic season lineup too. Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, who were recalled for investigations by NCCIA, are both absent from the Test squad. Abdullah Shafique, despite his previous unbeaten 184 against the West Indies, has also been omitted after poor performances in England, even though he scored 185 in a recent first-class match.
Salman Agha makes a return to the Test lineup following a remarkable triple-century in Pakistan’s domestic leagues. Ali Usman, who was sent back midway through the England tour, has also rejoined the squad after strong performances abroad.
The absences of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali mark a shift in strategy for Pakistan, moving away from spin-friendly pitches. Although Sajid was part of the England tour, he saw no playtime. Both were pivotal on home pitches tailored for spin, yet Usman and the versatile Arafat Minhas, bolstered by a steady ODI series, have been selected instead.
Adding to the squad are emerging talents like Sameer Minhas, known for aggressive batting, and Mohammad Taha, currently the leading scorer in the President’s Trophy. Mohammad Suleman also joins as a middle-order player.
Currently, the squad comprises 14 players, with a decision on additional seam bowlers pending a three-day match against Sri Lanka. Presently, the only fast bowlers named are Mohammad Abbas and Razaullah, who shone as an all-rounder in Pakistan’s testing series.
The two-Test series will take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from November 9 to 21.
Pakistan Test Squad Against Sri Lanka:
– Babar Azam (captain)
– Abdullah Fazal
– Ali Usman
– Arafat Minhas
– Azan Awais
– Mohammad Abbas
– Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper)
– Mohammad Suleman
– Mohammad Taha
– Razaullah
– Saad Baig (wicketkeeper)
– Salman Ali Agha
– Sameer Minhas
– Saud Shakeel
