Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Internet, Nov. 9: Pakistan captain Babar Azam has said his side is focused on the next ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle as it prepares for a two-match home series against Sri Lanka. The first Test starts today, Monday, November 9, in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan are already out of contention for next year’s final at The Oval. They have won just two Tests this cycle and sit ninth on the standings with four fixtures left. The side has turned to youth for the series, and four inexperienced players joined the squad on Saturday for the opening Test.
“We are pretty much out of the WTC this year, so we’re looking forward to the next one,” Babar said. He said the squad has more than half a dozen new players and the aim is to give youngsters a chance to express themselves. The next cycle runs from 2027 to 2029.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series: Kusal Mendis on conditions
Sri Lanka are seventh on the WTC standings and have won just one Test this cycle. The series is Kusal Mendis’ first tour as captain since he took over from Dhananjaya de Silva. Mendis said he expects a slightly different pitch in Rawalpindi. He said Sri Lanka’s batting line-up has senior players, including Dinesh Chandimal, de Silva and himself, and that the team did well in England in 2024.
Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Aamer Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Muhammad Tayyab Arif, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas, Saqib Khan, Saud Shakeel.
Sri Lanka squad: Kusal Mendis (c), Anjala Bandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sonal Dinusha, Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Lahiru Udara.
Schedule: First Test, November 9 to 13, Rawalpindi. Second Test, November 17 to 21, Lahore.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews and Follow Our Youtube Channel on Google
