The Pakistan cricket team has named a 14-member squad for two home Test matches against Sri Lanka, and three batters are in it for the first time at Test level. Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha and Mohammad Suleman have each received their maiden Test call-up, meaning this is their first selection for the longest form of the game. Babar Azam will captain the side. The first Test begins on 9 November at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The series is part of the World Test Championship 2025-27, a multi-year league of Test matches run by the International Cricket Council, the sport's global governing body. Pakistan are currently at the bottom of the table, while Sri Lanka are seventh. The two Tests therefore matter for both teams in the standings.
Three batters arrive on the back of strong domestic form
The three newcomers have impressed in the Pakistan first-class season, the multi-day format played in the domestic game. Taha, a 26-year-old left-handed batter, is the leading run-scorer in the President's Trophy Grade-I tournament, with 730 runs across seven matches. Suleman is the fifth-highest run-getter in the same competition with 652 runs.
Sameer is playing his maiden first-class season and has scored 405 runs in seven matches. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman and batter Salman Ali Agha are also part of the Test squad, adding options with the ball and in the middle order.
Who else is in the squad and when the Tests start
Several players have retained their places in the squad. They are Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Razaullah and Saud Shakeel, along with wicketkeepers Mohammad Ghazi Ghori and Saad Baig. The full list is 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 and Saud Shakeel.
The first Test runs from 9 to 13 November at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second Test is scheduled from 17 to 21 November at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Both are home matches for the Pakistan side.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Pakistan cricket team ne Sri Lanka ke khilaf ghar mein do Test matches ke liye 14 khiladiyon ki squad ka elaan kar diya hai. Is squad mein teen naye ballebaaz, Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha aur Mohammad Suleman, pehli baar Test call-up par hain. Pehla Test 9 November ko Rawalpindi mein aur doosra 17 November ko Lahore mein shuru hoga. Cricket ke shaukeen logon ke liye yeh naye chehron ko dekhne ka mauqa hai.
