The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has added pace-bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal, fast bowlers Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan, and batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif to Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
Tayyab, Ali and Saqib have earned their maiden national Test call-ups after featuring in the three-day practice match between the Patron’s XI and 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 starred in the President’s Trophy Grade-I final.
He claimed seven wickets for 32 runs and scored 55 to help eventual champions Markhor IT Solutions secure victory. He also captained 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 enjoyed an impressive debut season in first-class cricket, scoring 727 runs in seven matches for Kingsmen Academy at an average of 66.09, including three centuries.
The 19-year-old Ali has taken 22 wickets in eight first-class matches and claimed three wickets against Sri Lanka in the recent practice game.
Saqib played a key role in Karachi Blues’ title-winning campaign in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, finishing with 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 (16 players)
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
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