Mohammad Rizwan declined again when Pakistan revised the squad for the Sri Lanka Tests

Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq were overlooked as Pakistan overhauled their squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, making four additions after the conclusion of the three-day warm-up against the visitors.

Of particular note is Rizwan’s continued absence, with the wicketkeeper-palter failing to earn a recall despite an early response in domestic cricket. The 34-year-old recently smashed an unbeaten double century in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, but his efforts were not enough to convince the selectors.

Both Rizwan and Imam were among the seven players released from the Pakistan Test squad in the middle of their English tour in August. The duo was sent home along with Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.

While Salman and Aamir have since returned to the national set-up, Rizwan and Imam have failed to find their way back into the Test team.

Rizwan’s omission is particularly surprising given his performances in domestic cricket. Playing for Peshawar Region Blues against Faisalabad Region in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, he scored an unbeaten 200 off 252 balls, smashing 35 fours and a six. It was his second first-class double century, having previously scored 224 in 2014.

Meanwhile, the imam suffered a mild strain in his left calf muscle while competing on the opening day of the Lord’s Trial. He was subsequently dropped from the touring team and failed to secure a recall for the Sri Lanka series.

3 PLAYERS EARN GIRL CALL

Pakistan added all-rounder Aamir Jamal, rookie pacer Ali Shabbir, batsman Muhammad Tayyab Arif and fast bowler Saqib Khan to their original 14-man squad.

Aamir, who has represented Pakistan in nine Tests, three ODIs and six T20Is, returns after impressive performances at home. He was named player of the final in the President’s Trophy Grade-I after taking seven for 32 and scoring 55 runs.

The remaining three players received their first invitation to Pakistan. Right-handed batsman Tayyab impressed in the department’s first-class tournament, scoring 727 runs in seven matches at an average of 66.09, including three hundreds in his first season in charge of the Kingsmen Academy.

19-year-old Ali Shabbir played eight first-class matches and took 22 wickets. He also picked up three wickets against Sri Lanka in the innings.

Saqib was involved in Karachi Blues’ 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy winning campaign, taking 47 wickets in nine matches at an average of 20.60. His best figures were seven for 34.

The four additions take Pakistan’s squad to 16 players, with Abdullah Fazal and left-arm spinner Ali Usman released from the original group.

PAKISTAN TEST SERIES FOR SRI LANKA

Babar Azam (capt), Aamir Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Muhammad Tayyab Arif, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Samed Minhase Ali Aghael

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