Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka Tests — Agha, Usman recalled; Rizwan left out

Salman Ali Agha returns to the Pakistan Test setup for its series against Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: AP

Salman Ali Agha and Ali Usman have been recalled to the Pakistan Test side for its two-match series against Sri Lanka beginning on November 9.

Agha and Usman were among seven players that were sent home after the second Test of Pakistan’s tour of England earlier this year.

Babar Azam, who replaced Agha as captain after the first Test, continues to lead the side, while there is also room for Razaullah, whose heroics in the third Test made headlines.

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Among the players who drop out of the side is Muhammad Rizwan, who is currently under inquiry over allegations of online betting, gambling and the leaking of dressing-room information but has been allowed to play domestic cricket.

Other players to drop out of the side are Abdullah Shafique, Imam ul-Haq, and Saim Ayub.

Young wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori keeps his place in the squad, while there are three uncapped batters in Mohammad Taha, Sameer Minhas and Mohammad Suleman, who have done well at domestic level.

The two Tests will take place in Rawalpindi (November 9-13) and Lahore (November 17-21).

The squads:

Babar Azam (capt), Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Salman Agha, Sameer Minhas, Saud Shakeel.