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 Seeks a Turnaround

Pakistan have named their squad for a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with Babar Azam set to lead a side under pressure to improve its results. The series, scheduled to begin in early November, offers Pakistan an important opportunity to regain momentum in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 and answer questions raised by their recent performances.

The announcement follows a difficult stretch for Pakistan in Test cricket, including a disappointing tour of England. The team currently sits at the bottom of the WTC standings and has won just one of its last five Tests. With points at stake and confidence to rebuild, the Sri Lanka series could prove significant for both the team’s campaign and Babar’s leadership.

Babar Azam Retains the Captaincy

Babar will continue as captain despite criticism of his batting and decision-making during the England series. Pakistan’s selectors have opted for continuity, giving him the chance to guide the side through a challenging period and establish a more consistent approach in the longer format.

There are encouraging results in Babar’s recent record, however. Pakistan secured an away Test victory over the West Indies, ending a three-year wait for a win on foreign soil. That performance showed the team can compete away from home, though the England tour exposed areas that still require attention—particularly the batting order’s ability to withstand sustained pressure and the attack’s capacity to take wickets consistently.

For Babar, the Sri Lanka Tests are more than another assignment. A strong series could help restore confidence in his captaincy and strengthen Pakistan’s position in the WTC race. The prediction for the contest will depend in part on whether the team can turn individual talent into disciplined, collective performances over five days.

Salman Ali Agha Returns to the Squad

One of the notable selections is Salman Ali Agha, who returns after a turbulent period during the England tour. He captained Pakistan in the first Test in Babar’s absence but was left out for the second match and sent home before the third, along with other players and members of the coaching staff. His recall gives him an opportunity to re-establish his place and contribute with both bat and ball.

Salman has made a strong case for selection since returning to domestic cricket. In September 2026, he struck an unbeaten triple century for Kingsmen Academy, followed later that month by another hundred. The extended run of matches also gave him time to work on his batting alignment, technique and timing. He then carried that form into the ongoing tri-series, scoring 107 against Sri Lanka.

That recent record makes Salman an intriguing figure heading into the Tests. His ability to build an innings could be valuable if Pakistan’s top order comes under pressure, while his all-round skills offer the captain additional options. His selection also reflects the importance of domestic performances in shaping Pakistan’s Test plans.

Three-Day Warm-Up Match to Help Finalise the Attack

Pakistan will play a three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka from 4 to 6 November at Islamabad Club before the Test series begins. The fixture is intended to give players time in the middle and allow selectors to assess form, fitness and combinations ahead of the opening Test.

Two fast bowlers from the Patron’s squad are expected to join the Test group after the warm-up match. That decision leaves room for the selectors to evaluate the available pace options in match conditions before finalising the attack. On pitches where seam movement or reverse swing becomes a factor, the right balance between fast bowlers and spinners could be crucial.

The warm-up game will also offer Pakistan’s newer selections a chance to make an impression. Mohammad Taha, in particular, arrives with a notable first-class record. He was the leading run-scorer in the President’s Trophy Grade-I competition, finishing with 730 runs from seven matches, including three centuries. The series could provide him with a pathway toward his first international opportunity, although selection will depend on the final team combination and performances in preparation.

Pakistan’s Announced Squad

The announced squad includes a mix of established names, emerging batters, wicketkeepers and bowling options. The players named are:

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.

Although the announcement describes a 13-member group, the published list contains 14 names. The two additional pacers are expected to be added after the warm-up match, giving Pakistan further flexibility as the series approaches.

What Pakistan Need to Improve Against Sri Lanka

Pakistan’s immediate challenge is to make better use of promising positions. In recent Tests, periods of competitive cricket have not always translated into wins, with batting collapses and missed opportunities allowing opponents back into matches. A more reliable top order, sharper fielding and greater consistency from the bowling unit will be essential if Pakistan are to challenge Sri Lanka across the series.

Sri Lanka will be a demanding opponent, particularly if their spinners find assistance from the surface. Pakistan’s batters will need patience, careful shot selection and the ability to rotate the strike rather than relying solely on boundary scoring. The hosts, meanwhile, will look to use home conditions and their knowledge of local pitches to build pressure.

For supporters following the series prediction, Pakistan’s prospects will hinge on how quickly the squad settles after the England disappointment. Babar’s form, Salman’s return, Taha’s potential contribution and the final pace-bowling selections are all storylines to watch. A series victory would provide a timely boost in the WTC standings; another setback would increase the pressure on a team still searching for consistency.

With a warm-up match ahead and several places still subject to assessment, Pakistan have a chance to prepare carefully rather than rush into the contest. The Sri Lanka Tests offer a fresh start—but turning that opportunity into results will require the discipline and resilience that have been missing from too many recent performances.