Big Omissions for Pakistan; Injury Blow for Sri Lanka Ahead of Test Series
Pakistan have made significant selection changes ahead of their two-match home Test series against Sri Lanka, leaving out former captain Shan Masood and established spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have suffered an injury setback, with opener Pathum Nissanka ruled out of the upcoming ICC World Test Championship series.
Lahiru Udara has been named as Nissanka's replacement for the series, which begins in Rawalpindi on November 9. Pakistan have announced an initial 14-member squad, with two additional fast bowlers set to be selected after a three-day tour match against Sri Lanka.
With both teams dealing with important selection decisions, the series presents an opportunity for Pakistan to rebuild momentum at home and for Sri Lanka to test their depth without one of their leading batters.
Pakistan Drop Shan Masood, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali
Pakistan's squad announcement has raised eyebrows, particularly because of the omission of Shan Masood, who captained the Test side for much of the previous three years.
Masood has been working towards regaining fitness after picking up a niggle during the President's Trophy. He also endured a difficult tour of England, where Pakistan made significant changes to their team during the series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board did not provide an official explanation for Masood's omission in its squad announcement.
The selectors have also left out Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, two spinners who had become regular features of Pakistan's home Test plans. Their exclusion is particularly notable given the team's recent preference for spin-friendly pitches on home soil.
The decision suggests Pakistan are willing to reconsider their bowling combinations after an inconsistent period. Ali Usman has returned to the squad, while allrounder Arafat Minhas has also been included.
Pakistan have additionally selected Arafat's younger brother, Sameer Minhas, as a top-order batting option. Mohammad Taha, the leading run-scorer in the President's Trophy, and middle-order batter Mohammad Suleman have also earned places.
Salman Ali Agha Returns to Pakistan's Test Squad
Salman Ali Agha is among the notable returnees after producing a triple-century in domestic cricket following his return from the England tour.
Agha had been sent home during that tour but has earned another opportunity after an impressive response in the domestic circuit.
Ali Usman has also returned to the squad after making a positive impression in England before his recall.
The latest selection reflects a combination of experience and fresh options, with Pakistan looking to identify a group capable of delivering more consistent performances in Test cricket.
Babar Azam will lead the side against Sri Lanka. The squad includes experienced batters Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha, alongside younger players who will be looking to establish themselves at international level.
Pakistan Yet to Finalise Their Pace Attack
Pakistan have named 14 players for the Sri Lanka Tests but are yet to complete their fast-bowling group.
For now, Mohammad Abbas and Razaullah are the only seam bowlers named in the squad. Razaullah impressed during the third Test against England, producing an encouraging all-round performance on a difficult tour for Pakistan.
The selectors will assess their remaining options after Sri Lanka's three-day tour match before announcing two more fast bowlers.
Mike Hesson, who took charge as interim head coach for the third Test against England, will continue in the role for the home series.
The final composition of the bowling attack will be worth watching, particularly with Sajid and Noman absent. Pakistan will need to determine how best to balance their spin and pace resources against a Sri Lankan side familiar with subcontinental conditions.
Pathum Nissanka Ruled Out With Hamstring Injury
Sri Lanka have confirmed that Pathum Nissanka will miss the Test series as he continues his recovery from a left hamstring injury.
Nissanka was initially included in the squad subject to fitness clearance but has been unable to recover in time for the two-match contest.
The injury has already forced him to miss Sri Lanka's recent white-ball assignments in Pakistan, including the T20I series and the ODI tri-series involving England and the hosts.
His absence is a significant setback for Sri Lanka, who will need to reconsider their opening combination ahead of a challenging overseas series.
Nissanka's unavailability also removes an established international batter from the team's options, increasing the responsibility on the remaining top-order players to provide solid starts.
Lahiru Udara Named as Nissanka's Replacement
Lahiru Udara has been called up to replace Nissanka and will join the Test squad ahead of the series.
Udara has previously represented Sri Lanka in Test and T20I cricket and is already part of the country's squad for the ODI tri-series in Pakistan.
The batter produced one of his most notable performances earlier in 2026, scoring a career-best 188 during Sri Lanka's World Test Championship series against the West Indies.
That innings will strengthen his case for consideration in the playing XI, although his selection for the opening Test will depend on the team's final combination and assessment of conditions.
With Nissanka unavailable, Udara has an opportunity to make an impression in a demanding away series. Sri Lanka will hope he can translate his domestic and previous international performances into a contribution at the highest level.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule
The two-match series will be played between November 9 and November 21 as part of the current ICC World Test Championship cycle.
- First Test: November 9–13, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- Second Test: November 17–21, Lahore
Both sides will be looking to collect valuable World Test Championship points, with Pakistan hoping to make the most of home conditions and Sri Lanka aiming to overcome the loss of a key batter.
Pakistan Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series
Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas, Saud Shakeel.
Two additional fast bowlers are expected to be added following the three-day tour match against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Test Squad for Pakistan Series
Sri Lanka squad: Kusal Mendis (captain), Anjala Bandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sonal Dinusha, Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayaka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Lahiru Udara.
Criclines Analysis
Both teams enter the series with important questions to answer. Sri Lanka must find a way to compensate for Nissanka's absence, while Pakistan have made bold decisions by leaving out Masood, Sajid and Noman.
For Sri Lanka, Udara's previous Test experience and career-best 188 make him an intriguing replacement, but adapting to Pakistan's conditions will be a different challenge. The visitors will need their senior batters to take greater responsibility if they are to compete consistently across the two Tests.
Pakistan's selection changes are equally significant. The omissions of Masood, Sajid and Noman point towards a reassessment of the team's batting and bowling combinations. The return of Salman Ali Agha and the inclusion of several younger players provide fresh options, but the new-look squad will need to deliver results.
