The Pakistan Test team management and the selection committee have released two players from the squad.
According to sources, Abdullah Fazal and Ali Usman were released before they could even join the squad. It is expected that Tayyab Arif will replace Abdullah Fazal, while Aamir Jamal is likely to take the place of Ali Usman.
Fast bowlers Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan, from the Patron’s XI, have been added to the squad. Head Coach Mike Hesson requested the release of Abdullah Fazal and Ali Usman.
The management informed the players that a “green-top” (grass-covered) pitch is being prepared, and therefore, their services are not required. The first Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is set to begin on November 9 in Rawalpindi.
It should be noted that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 14-member national squad for the upcoming home Test series against Sri Lanka, providing opportunities to several new and young players.
Babar Azam will lead the team, while Sami Minhas, Muhammad Taha, and Muhammad Suleman have earned a spot in the Test squad for the first time. The announced squad also includes Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Muhammad Abbas, Razaullah, and Saud Shakeel. Other players named were Ghazi Ghouri, Saad Baig, Salman Agha, and Ali Usman; however, Abdullah Fazal and Ali Usman were released before they could join the squad.
