Pakistan Name Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series as Salman Agha Returns, Mohammad Rizwan Misses Out

Former Pakistani test team skipper, Salman Ali Agha has returned to the Pakistan squad for the two tests against Sri Lanka, but Mohmmad Rizwan has no place in the side following the England debacle. Agha and Rizwan were among the seven players who were sent back home midway during the Pakistan team tour of England in August earlier this year as the visitors lost the three-match test series 3-0.

In Pakistan’s first squad announced since the England series, five players continue to remain out of flavour, including one of their star wicketkeeper batters, Mohammad Rizwan, who is subject to an investigation by the country’s cybercrime agency.

Earlier this week, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) allowed Rizwan to feature in a domestic match. Along with Agha, PCB also recalled left-arm spinner Ali Usman. Babar Azam will continue to lead the side in the two tests against Sri Lanka which will be held in Rawalpindi from November 9 to 13 and Lahore from November 17 to 21.

In the squad that the PCB has announced for the test series, it features three uncapped batters, including Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha, and Mohammad Suleman, who have all performed well at the domestic level. The two-match test series is part of the WTC (World Test Championship), with Pakistan languishing in the ninth position on the table and Sri Lanka placed at the seven position.

Full Pakistan Squad for Sri Lanka Series

Babar Azam (capt), Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Salman Agha, Sameer Minhas, Saud Shakeel