RAWALPINDI: Pakistan have made significant changes to their Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, bringing in four players, including two uncapped fast bowlers, while releasing opener Abdullah Fazal and spinner Ali Usman ahead of the first Test in Rawalpindi on November 9.
Surprise Change in Pak Test squad for Sri Lanka series
PCB has released Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal from Test squad while Aamir Jamal, Ali Shabbir,Tayyab Arif and Saqib Khan has been added to squad.
— Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) November 7, 2026
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has included uncapped pacers Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan, seam-bowling all-rounder Aamer Jamal and 20-year-old batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif in the revised 16-member squad.
The changes come less than two days before the opening Test, indicating that Pakistan have reconsidered their team combination and bowling options for the Rawalpindi surface.
Who is in and who is out?
Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan earned their maiden call-ups after featuring in Pakistan’s recently concluded warm-up match against Sri Lanka.
Aamer Jamal’s inclusion provides another seam-bowling all-round option, while young batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif adds depth to the batting department.
🚨 OFFICIAL – PAKISTAN TEAM CHANGES FOR SL SERIES! 🇵🇰
IN – Tayyab Arif, Saqib Khan, Aamer Jamal and Ali Shabbir
OUT – Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal.
— Rayham. (@RayhamUnplugged) November 7, 2026
Meanwhile, Abdullah Fazal and Ali Usman have been released from the squad. The PCB did not provide any specific reason for their exclusion.
Fazal made his Test debut against Bangladesh earlier this year after an impressive Player of the Match performance in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final last year. He was subsequently part of Pakistan’s tours of the West Indies and England but missed matches due to a lower-back injury.
Ali Usman, meanwhile, has been released from a Test squad for the second consecutive time, having also missed out during the build-up to the third Test against England in September.
🚨 Pakistan have announced their updated squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.
Abdullah Fazal and Usman Ali have been released from the previous squad, while Aamer Jamal, Tayyab Arif, Saqib Khan and Ali Shabbir have been added. https://t.co/ctHRnRO4q6
— CricFollow (@CricFollow56) November 7, 2026
Pakistan signal pace-heavy strategy
The revised squad suggests Pakistan are preparing for a Rawalpindi surface that may offer greater assistance to fast bowlers rather than the spin-friendly conditions witnessed in recent home Test series.
Notably, Arafat Minhas is the only specialist spin-bowling option in the 16-member squad, although he also provides a lower-middle-order batting option.
Experienced spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali were already absent from the original selection, while Ali Usman’s release further underlines Pakistan’s apparent preference for pace-oriented resources.
Read Also: Pakistan Gear Up for Sri Lanka Tests with Pace-Friendly Pitches and Major Team Overhaul
Pakistan are also likely to be cautious about preparing spin-friendly surfaces against Sri Lanka, who possess quality spin-bowling options.
Pakistan desperate to revive WTC campaign
Pakistan will be looking to revive their disappointing World Test Championship (WTC) campaign, having slipped to the bottom of the standings.
Seven defeats in nine matches, alongside points deductions for slow over-rates, have left Pakistan with a points percentage of just 4.63.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, occupy seventh position in the standings.
The opening Test will begin in Rawalpindi on November 9, while the second and final match of the series is scheduled to start in Lahore on November 17.
🚨 PAKISTAN ANNOUNCE FOUR ADDITIONS TO TEST SQUAD! 🇵🇰
– Aamir Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Tayyab Arif and Saqib Khan have been added to Pakistan’s squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.
– Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal have been released from the squad. https://t.co/8L5fGQir0I
— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) November 7, 2026
Updated Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka Tests: Babar Azam (captain), Aamer 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, Saud Shakeel
