Mohammad Rizwan snubbed again as Pakistan revise squad for Sri Lanka Tests
Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq have been overlooked as Pakistan revised their squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, making four additions following the conclusion of the three-day warm-up match against the visitors.
Rizwan's continued absence is particularly noteworthy, with the wicketkeeper-batter failing to earn a recall despite producing a timely response in domestic cricket. The 34-year-old recently smashed an unbeaten double century in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, but his efforts have not been enough to convince the selectors.
Both Rizwan and Imam were among the seven players released from Pakistan's Test squad midway through their England tour in August. The duo were sent home alongside Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.
While Salman and Aamir have since returned to the national setup, Rizwan and Imam have failed to find their way back into the Test squad.
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.
Imam, meanwhile, sustained a low-grade strain to his left calf muscle while fielding on the opening day of the Lord's Test. He was subsequently released from the touring squad and has failed to secure a recall for the Sri Lanka series.
Pakistan have added pace-bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal, rookie pacer Ali Shabbir, batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif and fast bowler Saqib Khan to their initial 14-member squad.
Aamir, who has represented Pakistan in nine Tests, three ODIs and six T20Is, returns after impressive domestic performances. He was named Player of the Final in the President's Trophy Grade-I after taking seven for 32 and scoring 55 runs.
The other three players have received their maiden Pakistan call-ups. Right-handed batter Tayyab impressed in the Departmental first-class tournament, scoring 727 runs in seven matches at an average of 66.09, including three centuries in his maiden season while leading Kingsmen Academy.
19-year-old Ali Shabbir has played eight first-class matches and claimed 22 wickets. He also picked up three wickets against Sri Lanka in the warm-up fixture.
Saqib was instrumental in Karachi Blues' Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 title-winning campaign, claiming 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 SQUAD FOR SRI LANKA TEST SERIES
