Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: New-Look Squad for Rawalpindi Test
Pakistan prepares for a fresh start against Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series following an overhaul of their squad and coaching staff.
Quick facts
- The first Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka begins in Rawalpindi on Monday, November 9, 2026.
- Pakistan's squad features six new players, including Mohammad Taha, Saad Baig, Tayyab Arif, Sameer Minhas, Saqib Khan, and Ali Shabbir.
- The series follows a 3-0 whitewash defeat against England, leading to the removal of the head coach and bowling coach in September.
Why it matters
The series marks a period of transition for Pakistan cricket. The decision to drop multiple senior players and introduce six debutants reflects an urgent attempt by the selectors to address recent failures. Whether this strategy can yield immediate results against a competitive Sri Lankan side remains to be seen.
The two-match Test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka begins in Rawalpindi on Monday, November 9, 2026, as Pakistan looks to recover from a recent series loss. As of November 9, 2026, the home team enters the contest with a significantly altered lineup and new coaching leadership.
Why it is trending now
Interest in the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka series has spiked as fans anticipate the debut of a revamped Pakistani squad. The team is under pressure to perform after losing 3-0 to England, a result that prompted a major restructuring of both the playing roster and the coaching staff.
Key facts
- According to Gulf News, white-ball coach Mike Hesson has been brought into the Test setup following the departure of the previous coaching staff in September.
- Five players who participated in the final Test against England were dropped, while Salman Agha and Aamer Jamal were recalled to the side.
- Six players, including Mohammad Taha, Saad Baig, Tayyab Arif, Sameer Minhas, Saqib Khan, and Ali Shabbir, are set for potential maiden appearances.
- The series consists of two matches, with the first taking place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Why this is trending in UAE
The series is trending in the UAE due to the large expatriate population from Pakistan and Sri Lanka who closely follow their national teams' international cricket fixtures.
Background and context
Pakistan's cricket structure underwent significant changes following their series in England, where seven players were sent home after the second Test. Senior figures including Mohammad Rizwan, Shan Masood, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali were left out of this squad as selectors prioritize a fresh approach for the upcoming matches against Sri Lanka.
What happens next
The first Test match starts on Monday in Rawalpindi. The team's performance in this series will determine the direction of Pakistan's Test cricket strategy under the new coaching staff. Further details regarding the playing XI for the second match are expected to be confirmed after the conclusion of the first Test.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series start?
The first Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin in Rawalpindi on Monday, November 9, 2026.
Why were many senior Pakistan players dropped?
The squad overhaul follows a 3-0 series defeat against England. Selectors opted to exclude several senior players, including Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood, to integrate new talent and change the team's direction.
Who is the new coach for Pakistan's Test team?
Following the removal of the previous head coach and bowling coach in September, white-ball coach Mike Hesson has been brought into the Test cricket setup.
How many matches are in the series?
The current series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka consists of two Test matches.
In this story
Sources
Trend snapshot
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- UAE
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- Last updated
- Nov 9, 2026 at 9:45 AM
Last checked Nov 9, 2026 at 9:45 AM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work · How we verify
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