PCB names revamped Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka Test series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday announced a 14-member squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, with Babar Azam set to lead a largely revamped side featuring three uncapped players.

Sameer Minhas, Muhammad Taha and Muhammad Suleman have received their maiden Test call-ups, as Pakistan look to bring fresh talent into the red-ball set-up.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the Test squad would comprise 80% to 90% new players, with only a few experienced cricketers retained.

Speaking at a Lahore Qalandars player development event in Lahore, Naqvi said the PCB had focused on developing a new pool of players over the past six months.

“Two and a half years ago, we did not have a backup of players. We kept giving opportunities to the same old players,” he said.

“We have prepared a new batch of players in six months. The cricket board’s target is to bring young players forward.”

Three players earn maiden Test call-ups

The squad includes Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Razaullah and Saud Shakeel, alongside wicketkeepers Ghazi Ghori and Saad Baig.

Salman Ali Agha and left-arm spinner Ali Usman have also been named in the Test squad.

The PCB has additionally announced a 13-member Pakistan Shaheens squad, referred to as the Panthers squad in the announcement, for a three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka.

The match will be played at Islamabad Club from November 4 to 6, with Saad Baig appointed captain.

The warm-up squad includes Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Owais, Muhammad Suleman, Muhammad Taha and Sameer Minhas.

Fast bowlers Muhammad Salman, Shoaib Akhtar Junior, Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan and Ubaid Shah have also been included, along with batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif.

The PCB said two additional fast bowlers would be selected from the warm-up squad for the Test series after the practice match concludes.

Tests scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore

The first Test against Sri Lanka will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13.

The second Test is scheduled for Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21.

Naqvi said the board was also giving considerable attention to school cricket as part of its efforts to develop young talent.

He urged players to remain committed to training, saying he had seen several cricketers abandon practice after gaining some fame.

“I have seen many players being wasted,” he said, stressing that everyone needed to work towards improving Pakistan cricket.