# Sri Lanka and Pakistan Test squads for November series

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sri-lanka-cricket-tour-of-pakistan
> Updated: 2026-10-24T07:26:00.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 4.

As the tour progresses, both nations have finalized their Test squads for the two-match ICC World Test Championship series scheduled for November 9–21 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

Sri Lanka has appointed Kusal Mendis as Test captain following Dhananjaya de Silva’s decision to step down from the role, though de Silva remains in the squad. The selection includes the return of Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka, the latter recovering from wrist surgery. New additions include wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara and pacer Eshan Malinga. The bowling attack features five pacers: Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayaka, and Dilshan Madushanka. Several players from the recent series against India, including Kamil Mishara and Niroshan Dickwella, have been omitted.

Pakistan will be led by Babar Azam. The squad emphasizes youth and domestic talent, featuring uncapped players Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Suleman, and Sameer Minhas. While senior players such as Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Abdullah Shafique have been excluded, Salman Ali Agha and Ali Usman return to the lineup. The spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali were also left out. The Pakistan Cricket Board plans to select two additional fast bowlers following a warm-up match in Islamabad from November 4–6.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Pakistan announces Test squad for Sri Lanka series

Pakistan has named a 14-member Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, led by Babar Azam and featuring three debutants.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pakistan-announces-test-squad-for-sri-lanka-series

### 2026-10-13: Sri Lanka announces Test squad for Pakistan series

Kusal Mendis will lead the Sri Lankan Test squad against Pakistan starting November 9, featuring the return of Pathum Nissanka and several new fast-bowling prospects.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kusal-mendis-named-sri-lanka-test-captain-for-pakistan-tour

### 2026-10-04: Pakistan and Sri Lanka announce squads for upcoming cricket series

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have announced squads for upcoming cricket series in Pakistan, including a T20I series and an ODI tri-series featuring England. Sahibzada Farhan and Kusal Mendis will captain their sides.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sri-lanka-cricket-squad-arrives-in-pakistan-for-t20i-series

### 2026-10-02: Sri Lanka announces squads for Pakistan tour and ODI tri-series

Sri Lanka has named its T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming tour of Pakistan. Kusal Mendis will lead the team, while former captain Charith Asalanka has been omitted due to recent poor form.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sri-lanka-names-t20i-squad-for-pakistan-series

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Cite as: Sri Lanka and Pakistan Test squads for November series. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sri-lanka-cricket-tour-of-pakistan