Babar Azam Leads Pakistan Against Sri Lanka as Salman Ali Agha Makes Surprise Return

Pakistan are bottom of the World Test Championship table and desperate for a turnaround. The selectors have named their squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, keeping Babar Azam as captain, recalling Salman Ali Agha after the England turmoil, and handing a maiden call-up to run machine Mohammad Taha.

Pakistan Need a Reset in Test Cricket

Pakistan have struggled in the longest format lately. They were outplayed in England, and they now sit at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027 standings.

The numbers make uncomfortable reading. Pakistan have won just one of their last five Tests, so the two-match series against Sri Lanka, starting in early November, is a crucial one. A strong result could change the mood around the side quickly.

Babar Azam Retains the Captaincy

Babar Azam will lead the side despite a tough tour of England. He was criticised for his output with the bat and for his leadership during that series.

The selectors are clearly backing him anyway. The squad also carries a mix of experienced names and fresh faces, which suggests a deliberate rebuild around the captain.

The West Indies Win Offers Hope

Babar’s supporters can point to the Caribbean. Under him, Pakistan beat the West Indies away, their first win away from home in three years.

That result showed the team can still deliver on the road when the pieces fit. Babar will want to carry that belief into the series against the island nation.

Salman Ali Agha Returns After the England Turmoil

The biggest talking point is the return of Salman Ali Agha. He led the side in Babar’s absence in the first Test in England, was dropped for the second Test, and was then sent home with other players and coaching staff before the third Test. That episode caused real turmoil in the camp.

Now he is back in the squad, and his domestic form explains why.

Domestic Runs Do the Talking

Back in Pakistan, Salman responded in the best way possible. He smashed an unbeaten 300 for Kingsmen Academy in September 2026, then added another century later in the month.

He played five domestic matches to fix his batting alignment, technical issues and touch. He also struck a superb 107 against Sri Lanka in the ongoing Tri-series, a timely reminder of his quality against this opposition.

Warm-Up Match and a Maiden Call-Up for Taha

Pakistan will play a three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka from 4-6 November at the Islamabad Club. It gives the squad valuable time in the middle before the Tests begin.

Two pacers from the Patron’s squad will join the Test group once the warm-up game concludes. That keeps the bowling options open.

Mohammad Taha Earns His Chance

Mohammad Taha is the new name to watch. He was the leading run-scorer in the President’s Trophy Grade-I first-class competition, piling up 730 runs in seven matches with three centuries.

Now he gets the opportunity to win his first cap for the Men in Green. Consistency like that is hard for selectors to ignore.

Pakistan Squad for the Two Tests vs Sri Lanka

The full squad is: Babar Azam (C), Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (WK), Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Razaullah, Saad Baig (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas and Saud Shakeel.

It is a blend of experience and untested talent, with two wicketkeepers and plenty of domestic form on show.

What Comes Next

Pakistan need wins, and they need them soon. With the team at the bottom of the WTC table, every session against Sri Lanka will carry weight.

Babar must prove he can lead the turnaround. Salman must show his domestic runs translate to Test cricket, and Taha must make the most of his debut chance. The warm-up match will offer the first clues about how this group is shaping up.