Pakistan have left out Test captain Shan Masood, alongside senior spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, from their fourteen-member squad for the upcoming home Test series against Sri Lanka. The selectors opted for a major shake-up following recent struggles and changes made during the demanding tour of England, naming Babar Azam to lead the side for the two matches scheduled between November 9 and 21 across Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Masood, who has captained the Test side for the past three years, struggled to regain full fitness after picking up a niggle during domestic fixtures and endured a difficult tour of England. The sweeping changes also see the continued absence of Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Abdullah Shafique, while returning faces like Salman Agha and Ali Usman rejoin the setup after strong domestic performances.
Squad Selection and Notable Inclusions
- Babar Azam will captain a 14-member squad with two fast bowlers yet to be added.
- Uncapped and rising talents such as Arafat Minhas, Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha, and Mohammad Suleman earn call-ups.
- Mohammad Abbas and Razaullah remain the sole pace options named ahead of a three-day tour match.
- Veteran spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali miss out on a home Test squad for the first time in years.
Upcoming Fixtures and What Lies Ahead
The omission of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali marks a notable shift in strategy, as the pair had previously been indispensable mainstays on home pitches specifically tailored for turning conditions. Instead, the selection committee has injected fresh momentum into the squad by rewarding domestic performers and promising all-rounders from the ongoing circuit. A final decision on the remaining two pace bowlers will be reached following the conclusion of a three-day tour match against the visiting Sri Lankan team. These upcoming encounters carry vital World Test Championship points as both nations look to cement their standing in the international arena amidst evolving team dynamics and strategic rebuilding phases.
Keep browsing Sporting Avenue to get more interesting news from the world of sports. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to get the notifications instantly.
