As a youthful Pakistan side prepares for the Pakistan Sri Lanka Test series in Rawalpindi on Monday, captain Babar Azam has made clear that picking the team is the selectors’ and coach’s job, not his.
The two-match series opens at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 9, with the second Test scheduled at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21. It is Sri Lanka’s first Test tour of Pakistan since 2019.
Responding to questions about the omission of certain players, Babar said the squad had been picked after talks between the selectors and team management. “When we came back from England the scenario was in front of everyone. After that, when we sat down for this team, the selectors and the coach selected the side. I have been given 15 players. My job is to field them, get performances out of them and make them compete,” he said at his pre-series press conference on Sunday.
“The other things are not in my hands. Selection is their job. Wherever my input is required I give it, and we sit together with the selectors and coach to decide what is best possible,” he added.
A new-look squad after the England defeat
Babar’s remarks come as Pakistan prepare to field a much-changed side after their 3-0 defeat in England.
Pakistan are ninth and last in the 2025-27 championship standings, with a points percentage of 4.63 after nine matches, having won two and lost seven. Deductions of 19 points for slow over-rates have added to their problems.
The captain said the team had decided to look towards the next cycle after the England tour. “We are almost out of this year’s Test Championship, so we are looking forward to the next one and preparing for it. We have taken a different step and injected different players,” he said.
“We are trying to apply a combination of seniors and juniors so that we get a good mix and give the youngsters the opportunity to express themselves and perform well. InshaAllah, you will see a different team,” he added.
The squad features several uncapped or relatively inexperienced players who earned selection through domestic performances. They include Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Suleman, Azan Awais and Arafat Minhas, while recent additions Aamer Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan and Mohammad Tayyab Arif have added to the youthful group. Experienced players Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Abbas are expected to guide the newcomers.
Confidence from the white-ball win
Pakistan’s recent success in white-ball cricket has given the side encouragement ahead of the Test series. The hosts defeated Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series final towards the end of October.
“Any series or match you win gives you confidence, and we have brought that vibe into the Test matches. When young blood comes into a team it gives a different energy, and I think that is present in this side,” he said.
Babar will also be looking to rediscover his form in the longer format. His last Test century came against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022. “My thinking is always positive. As a player and senior player you try to give your best in every match. The more I play and stay on the ground, the more I try to improve. You learn from mistakes; no one is perfect,” he said.
Pakistan Sri Lanka Test series trophy unveiled
The two captains unveiled the series trophy at Rawal Lake in Islamabad on Sunday, ahead of the first Test. Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis backed his side’s batting and bowling balance for the Rawalpindi Test, and praised the PCB’s arrangements during the squad’s month-long stay in Pakistan.
Sri Lanka are seventh in the championship standings with a points percentage of 33.33 from six Tests. Pakistan hold a 23-17 advantage over Sri Lanka in 59 previous Test meetings, with 19 matches ending in draws. Pakistan won their most recent encounter 2-0 in Sri Lanka in 2023.
For Pakistan, the series is a chance to rebuild and test a new generation of players, starting in Rawalpindi.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Pakistan Sri Lanka Test series start?
The first Test starts on Monday, November 9, 2026, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and runs to November 13. The second Test will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21.
Why did Babar Azam say selection is not in his hands?
Babar said the selectors and coach picked the squad. His role is to field the players he has been given.
Where do Pakistan stand in the World Test Championship?
Pakistan are ninth and last in the 2025-27 standings, with 19 points deducted for slow over-rates.
Who are the new players in Pakistan’s Test squad?
The squad includes uncapped or inexperienced players such as Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Suleman, Azan Awais and Arafat Minhas, plus recent additions Aamer Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan and Mohammad Tayyab Arif.
