Mohammad Rizwan overlooked as Pakistan updates squad for Sri Lanka Tests

Pakistan has finalized its revised squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, making four notable additions following a three-day warm-up fixture. Among the most talked-about updates is the continued absence of Mohammad Rizwan, who has failed to earn a recall despite producing a strong performance in domestic cricket. The wicketkeeper-batter recently scored an unbeaten double century in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, yet this standout display was not enough to convince the selection committee to bring him back into the Test setup.

Both Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq were previously among seven players released from the national Test squad midway through their tour of England in August. While some of those players have since reintegrated into the team, Rizwan and Imam remain sidelined. Imam missed out due to a low-grade strain to his left calf muscle sustained during the Lord's Test and has similarly failed to secure a recall.

Pakistan leaves out Mohammad Rizwan for the Sri Lanka Tests despite his domestic double century.

Updates to the National Team Setup

The selection committee expanded the initial 14-member group to 16 players by introducing four new faces. Pace-bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal returns to the squad following strong domestic performances, including a stellar display in the President's Trophy Grade-I. Meanwhile, three players have received their maiden call-ups to the national team: batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif, rookie pacer Ali Shabbir, and fast bowler Saqib Khan, who led his team's wicket-taking efforts in the domestic circuit.

To accommodate these four additions, Abdullah Fazal and left-arm spinner Ali Usman were dropped from the original group. The updated roster features players such as captain Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, and Mohammad Abbas, who will prepare to face the touring Sri Lankan side under the revised team composition.

Why it matters

Squad revisions directly impact player careers and national team dynamics, determining who represents the country in international red-ball cricket. The decision to overlook established names while rewarding domestic performers signals a shifting focus toward fresh talent in Pakistan's cricket structure.