Pakistan’s cricket team management and selection committee have reportedly made several changes to the Test squad ahead of the opening match against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on November 9.
According to ARY News, citing sources, Abdullah Fazal and Ali Usman have been dropped from the squad before joining the national team’s training camp.
The decision was reportedly taken on the instructions of head coach Mike Hesson, who recommended releasing both players from the squad.
Following their exclusion, the selectors have called up two fast bowlers from the Patron’s XI, Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan. Both players have already joined the national team in Islamabad.
Meanwhile, Tayyab Arif has been included as a replacement for Abdullah Fazal, providing another option for the team ahead of the series opener.
Sources also indicated that all-rounder Aamir Jamal could be brought into the squad as a replacement for Ali Usman, although his inclusion has not yet been confirmed.
The reported changes come just days before Pakistan’s first Test against Sri Lanka, with the team management making final adjustments to its playing resources.
The opening Test is scheduled to get underway on November 9.