Rizwan Overlooked as Pakistan Revise Squad for Sri Lanka Tests

Mohammad Rizwan has once again been overlooked by Pakistan’s selectors despite scoring an unbeaten double century in domestic cricket. Pakistan have revised their squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, making four additions after the conclusion of a three-day warm-up match against the visitors.

Along with Rizwan, opening batter Imam-ul-Haq has also missed out on selection. Meanwhile, experienced pace-bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal has returned to the national squad, while Ali Shabbir, Muhammad Tayyab Arif and Saqib Khan have earned their maiden Pakistan call-ups.

Rizwan’s continued absence has attracted particular attention because of his recent performances in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The wicketkeeper-batter produced a significant domestic innings, but the selectors have still not included him in the revised squad for the Sri Lanka series.

Mohammad Rizwan misses out despite domestic double century

Rizwan recently scored an unbeaten 200 for Peshawar Region Blues against Faisalabad Region in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. He reached the milestone from 252 balls, hitting 35 boundaries and one six during his innings.

The knock was the 34-year-old’s second double century in first-class cricket. His previous double hundred was a score of 224, which he recorded in 2014.

Despite this impressive response in domestic cricket, Rizwan has not earned a recall to Pakistan’s Test squad. His omission is especially notable given the opportunity to strengthen the batting and wicketkeeping options ahead of the two-match series against Sri Lanka.

Rizwan and Imam were among seven players released from Pakistan’s Test squad midway through the team’s England tour in August. The other players sent home at that stage were Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.

Since then, Salman and Aamir have returned to the national setup, but Rizwan and Imam remain outside the Test squad. The latest selection decision means both players will miss the upcoming Sri Lanka series despite their previous involvement with the national team.

Imam-ul-Haq also misses Sri Lanka Test selection

Imam-ul-Haq has also failed to secure a place in Pakistan’s revised squad. His absence follows an injury sustained during the Lord’s Test against England.

The left-handed batter suffered a low-grade strain to his left calf muscle while fielding on the opening day of the match. He was subsequently released from the touring squad and has not returned to the national setup for the Sri Lanka series.

While Rizwan’s omission comes despite his recent domestic double century, Imam’s absence follows the injury setback that interrupted his involvement during the England tour.

Aamir Jamal returns as three players receive maiden call-ups

Pakistan have added four players to their original 14-member squad: Aamir Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Muhammad Tayyab Arif and Saqib Khan. The changes bring the squad’s total strength to 16 players.

Aamir is the most experienced among the four additions, having represented Pakistan in nine Test matches, three One Day Internationals and six T20 Internationals. His return follows a strong run of performances in domestic cricket.

He was named Player of the Final in the President’s Trophy Grade-I after delivering an impressive all-round performance. Aamir took seven wickets for 32 runs and also contributed 55 runs with the bat.

His ability to contribute in both departments provides Pakistan with another pace-bowling all-rounder for the upcoming Test assignment.

Muhammad Tayyab Arif earns maiden Pakistan call-up

Right-handed batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif has received his first call-up to the Pakistan national team after an impressive season in the Departmental first-class tournament.

Tayyab scored 727 runs in seven matches at an average of 66.09. His tally included three centuries during his maiden season, in which he also led Kingsmen Academy.

His consistent performances with the bat have earned him an opportunity to join the national squad ahead of the Sri Lanka Tests. The selectors have included him among the four additions following the warm-up match against the visitors.

Ali Shabbir receives first national selection at 19

Teenage fast bowler Ali Shabbir has also earned his maiden Pakistan call-up. The 19-year-old has played eight first-class matches and claimed 22 wickets.

He further strengthened his case during the recent warm-up fixture against Sri Lanka, where he picked up three wickets. That performance has helped him secure a place in the revised squad for the Test series.

His selection gives Pakistan another young pace-bowling option as the team prepares for the two-match contest.

Saqib Khan rewarded for strong domestic season

Fast bowler Saqib Khan has earned his first call-up after playing an important role in Karachi Blues’ title-winning campaign in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

Saqib claimed 47 wickets in nine matches at an average of 20.60. His best bowling figures during the competition were seven wickets for 34 runs, underlining his impact throughout the tournament.

His consistent wicket-taking performances have earned him an opportunity to represent Pakistan at the international level for the first time.

Abdullah Fazal and Ali Usman released from Pakistan squad

While four players have joined the squad, two members of the original group have been released. Batter Abdullah Fazal and left-arm spinner Ali Usman will no longer be part of the revised 16-member group for the Sri Lanka Test Series.

The latest changes follow the conclusion of Pakistan’s three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka. The revised squad combines established international players, returning all-rounder Aamir Jamal and three newcomers who have earned selection through their domestic performances.

Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka Test series

Pakistan will be led by Babar Azam in the two-match Test series. The revised 16-member squad includes two wicketkeeping options and a mix of batting and bowling resources.

• 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
• Saud Shakeel

Rizwan’s absence remains a major talking point

Pakistan’s revised squad reflects a combination of domestic form, injury-related changes and opportunities for emerging players. Aamir Jamal’s return adds international experience, while the maiden selections of Ali Shabbir, Muhammad Tayyab Arif and Saqib Khan give three players an opportunity to make their mark at the highest level.

However, Rizwan’s continued exclusion is likely to remain one of the biggest talking points surrounding the selection. His unbeaten 200 in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy demonstrated his ability to produce substantial first-class scores, but it has not been enough to secure a place in the squad.

Imam-ul-Haq will also remain unavailable for the series after his calf injury during the England tour. With both players missing, Pakistan will move into the Sri Lanka Tests with a revised group featuring several new faces and returning options.