Babar Azam to lead Pakistan as Salman Ali Agha returns for Sri Lanka series

Babar Azam to lead Pakistan as Salman Ali Agha returns for Sri Lanka series

Pakistan Name Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series as Babar Azam Targets a Turnaround

Pakistan have named a revamped squad for their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with Babar Azam set to lead a team searching for consistency in the longest format. The series, scheduled to begin in early November, offers Pakistan an important opportunity to respond after a difficult run of results and improve their position in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27.

The Men in Green currently sit at the bottom of the WTC standings, increasing the importance of every upcoming Test. Pakistan have won only one of their last five matches in the format, while their recent performances in England exposed familiar concerns with both bat and ball. A strong showing against Sri Lanka could provide a much-needed reset, although the visitors are likely to test Pakistan’s ability to perform consistently over five days.

Babar Azam Retains the Captaincy

Babar will continue as captain despite criticism following Pakistan’s disappointing tour of England. He faced scrutiny for his own batting returns as well as the team’s overall performance, but the selectors have kept faith in his leadership ahead of the Sri Lanka assignment.

There are reasons for cautious optimism. Pakistan secured a significant away victory against the West Indies under Babar, ending a lengthy wait for a Test win outside their home conditions. That result showed the squad can compete on the road, even if the subsequent England series highlighted how quickly momentum can disappear.

For Babar, the immediate challenge will be to turn individual talent into a reliable team performance. Pakistan will need their top order to build substantial innings, their middle order to manage pressure, and their bowlers to maintain discipline across long spells. A series win would strengthen the team’s WTC campaign and offer a positive response to recent criticism. Any prediction about Pakistan’s prospects, however, will depend on how effectively they address the weaknesses exposed in England.

Salman Ali Agha Returns to the Squad

One of the most notable selections is Salman Ali Agha, who has returned to the Test group after an unsettled period during the England tour. Salman captained Pakistan in the first Test while Babar was unavailable, but he was left out of the second match and sent home before the third, along with other players and members of the coaching staff. His recall gives him a fresh opportunity to contribute in familiar conditions.

Salman has responded to that setback with a strong run of form. In September 2026, he scored an unbeaten 300 for Kingsmen Academy in domestic cricket, followed by another century later in the month. The extended stretch of batting appears to have given him valuable time to work on his alignment, technique and timing.

He also made an impression in the ongoing tri-series, scoring 107 against Sri Lanka. That innings could be particularly useful as Pakistan prepare to face the same opposition in the Test arena. While limited-overs form does not guarantee success in red-ball cricket, Salman’s recent scores suggest he is arriving with confidence and rhythm.

Three-Day Warm-Up Match to Shape Final Selection

Pakistan will play a three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka from 4 to 6 November at Islamabad Club. The fixture is intended to help the squad adjust to match conditions and give the selectors a closer look at players competing for places in the final Test group.

Two fast bowlers from the Patron’s squad are expected to be added after the warm-up match. Their selection will depend on performance and the team’s assessment of its pace-bowling options. The additional places could prove important, particularly if Pakistan want a varied attack capable of adapting to the pitch and sustaining pressure throughout a Test.

The warm-up is also an opportunity for the batters to settle into the demands of longer innings before the series begins. For younger players, a strong performance could help make the case for a Test debut or a larger role within the squad.

Mohammad Taha Earns a Chance After Productive Domestic Season

Mohammad Taha is another player to watch. The batter has been included after finishing as the leading run-scorer in the President’s Trophy Grade-I first-class competition. He made 730 runs in seven matches, including three centuries, a return that underlines his consistency and ability to convert starts into major scores.

The Sri Lanka series could offer Taha an opportunity to make his first appearance for Pakistan, although selection will depend on the team’s final combination and performances during preparation. His domestic record gives the selectors a compelling reason to assess him at international level, particularly as Pakistan look to build depth in their batting group.

Pakistan’s Selected Squad

The announced squad includes Babar Azam as captain, alongside a mix of established players and emerging talent. The two additional fast bowlers are expected to join after the warm-up match.

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 and Saud Shakeel.

A Crucial Test Series for Pakistan

Pakistan’s series against Sri Lanka arrives at a pivotal point in their WTC campaign. The squad has experienced players capable of changing a match, while the inclusion of Taha and the expected addition of two pacers provide fresh options. But talent alone will not be enough: Pakistan must show greater discipline, make better use of key moments and sustain their performance across both Tests.

The warm-up match should offer early clues about the likely XI and the team’s approach. For Babar, the series is a chance to restore confidence in his captaincy and guide Pakistan toward a more dependable style of Test cricket. For supporters, the central prediction question is whether the team can turn recent individual performances into a complete, consistent effort. A competitive series would be a meaningful step forward; a victory could give Pakistan’s WTC campaign the lift it urgently needs.

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