Shan Masood, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan left out of Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka Tests

Pakistan have dropped former Test captain Shan Masood for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka. Masood has been struggling to regain fitness after picking up a niggle during the President's Trophy and also had an average tour of England.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in its media release didn’t specify the reason behind Masood’s omission. Apart from him, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, who were sent back home midway through the England tour and made to face NCCIA investigations in Pakistan, have also been dropped from the Test squad.

Abdullah Shafique has also been dropped after a poor show in England, where he accumulated 84 runs from three matches. Salman Agha, who was also sent home midway through the England tour, finds his way back into the Test side after scoring a triple-hundred upon his return to the domestic circuit in Pakistan.

However, the most notable absentees are the spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali. The duo had become regular mainstays in Pakistan’s home Tests ever since they opted to prepare turning pitches midway through the England series in 2024. Sajid was a part of the England tour but did not play any of the Tests.

Test series begins on December 9

Ali Usman retains his place after an impressive show in England and will have all-rounder Arafat Minhas as his spin partner, who recently had a remarkable outing against England in the tri-series.

Arafat’s younger brother Sameer Minhas has also been picked along with Mohammad Taha, who is the leading runscorer in the President's Trophy and middle-order batter Mohammad Suleman.

Pakistan have named 14 players in the squad, and two more pace bowlers will be added after a three-day tour between PCB Patrons and Sri Lanka. The two-match Test series against Sri Lanka begins on November 9, and the games will take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

Pakistan Test squad for Sri Lanka series: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas, Saud Shakeel