The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has added pace-bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal, rookie fast bowler Ali Shabbir, batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif and pacer Saqib Khan to Pakistan’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka.
Tayyab, Ali and Saqib have earned their maiden call-ups to the national Test side. The trio also featured in the Patron’s XI match against Sri Lanka, played at Islamabad Club from November 4 to 6. Meanwhile, Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal have been released from the squad.
Aamir Jamal, who has represented Pakistan in nine Tests, three ODIs and six T20Is, was recently named Player of the Final in the President’s Trophy Grade-I. His impressive performance, featuring figures of seven for 32 and a valuable 55 with the bat, helped Markhor IT Solutions clinch the title.
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 Muhammad Tayyab Arif has also enjoyed an impressive first-class season. Leading Kingsmen Academy in the Departmental first-class tournament, he scored 727 runs in seven matches at an average of 66.09, including three centuries.
Nineteen-year-old fast bowler Ali Shabbir has claimed 22 wickets in eight first-class appearances. He also picked up three wickets in the practice match against Sri Lanka.
Saqib Khan played a key role in Karachi Blues’ title-winning campaign in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26, finishing with 47 wickets in nine matches at an average of 20.60. His best bowling figures were seven for 34.
The first Test of the two-match series will begin on Monday, November 9, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan Test Squad (16 Members)
Babar Azam (captain), 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), Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas, Saqib Khan and Saud Shakeel.
