Salman Agha Recalled, Mohammad Rizwan Out as Pakistan Names Sri Lanka Test Squad

Salman Agha has been reinstated into Pakistan's Test cricket squad for the forthcoming series against Sri Lanka. However, Mohammad Rizwan has not been included, following the team's disappointing performance in England. Agha and Rizwan were among seven players excluded from Pakistan's Test tour of England in August, a series Pakistan lost 3-0. In Pakistan's first squad announcement since that tour, five players remain out of favour, including wicketkeeper-batsman Rizwan, who is currently under investigation by Pakistan's cyber-crime agency. Earlier this week, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) permitted Rizwan to participate in a domestic match. Agha was not selected for the current T20 series against Sri Lanka but has impressed in the ongoing home ODI series, notably scoring a century against Sri Lanka last Sunday. Alongside Agha, left-arm spinner Ali Usman has also been recalled after being sent home from the England tour prior to the third and final Test. Babar Azam will continue to captain the side in the two Tests against Sri Lanka, scheduled to be held in Rawalpindi (November 9-13) and Lahore (November 17-21). The 14-member squad features three uncapped batters: Mohammad Taha, Sameer Minhas, and Mohammad Suleman, all of whom have performed well at the domestic level. This two-match series is part of the World Test Championship, with Pakistan currently ninth and last, and Sri Lanka seventh.