Sri Lanka announces 15-member squad for Pakistan Test series

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced its 15-member squad for the two-match Test series against Pakistan in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–2027 cycle.

Kusal Mendis will lead the side after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down as Test captain. De Silva remains part of the squad and will continue to be available for selection.

The series will give both sides an opportunity to earn valuable points in the World Test Championship and strengthen their positions in the competition.

Pathum Nissanka awaits fitness clearance

Batter Pathum Nissanka has been named in the squad, but his participation in the series depends on his fitness. Sri Lanka Cricket has clarified that Nissanka will travel with the team only if he receives medical clearance.

He missed Sri Lanka’s tour of India in August because of a wrist injury. His recovery will therefore be closely watched as the team prepares for the opening Test in Rawalpindi. Nissanka’s availability could be important for Sri Lanka’s batting plans. However, the team will need to wait for the medical assessment before confirming whether he can take part in the series.

Dilshan Madushanka returns to the squad

Fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka has earned a recall to the Test team for the Pakistan tour. Eshan Malinga and Anjala Bandara have also been included in the 15-member squad.

The selection gives Sri Lanka additional options as they prepare for two matches away from home. The team will need to choose a balanced combination of batters, fast bowlers and spinners for the conditions in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

Player fitness and performances in the lead-up to the series will also be important when the team finalises its playing XI for each Test.

Lahiru Udara and Niroshan Dickwella left out

Opener Lahiru Udara has missed out on selection despite scoring 188 runs against the West Indies in June. His omission means Sri Lanka’s management will have to consider other options at the top of the batting order.

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Wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella has also been left out of the squad. Anjala Bandara’s inclusion provides the team with another wicketkeeping option. The selection decisions highlight the competition for places in Sri Lanka’s Test side ahead of an important away series.

Sri Lanka’s full 15-member Test squad

Sri Lanka Cricket has selected the following players for the Pakistan series:

·         Pathum Nissanka

·         Pasindu Sooriyabandara

·         Dinesh Chandimal

·         Kamindu Mendis

·         Sonal Dinusha

·         Kusal Mendis (captain)

·         Dhananjaya de Silva

·         Anjala Bandara

·         Keshara Nuwantha

·         Prabath Jayasuriya

·         Milan Rathnayaka

·         Lahiru Kumara

·         Asitha Fernando

·         Dilshan Madushanka

·         Eshan Malinga

Nissanka’s participation remains subject to medical clearance.

When will the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test series begin?

The first Test will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13. The second Test will take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from November 17 to 21.

Both matches form part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–2027 cycle. The results will contribute to the teams’ campaigns in the competition.

Playing at two different venues will require both sides to adjust their strategies according to the pitch and match conditions. Their batting consistency, bowling performance and ability to take wickets at key moments could prove decisive.

World Test Championship points at stake

The upcoming series carries importance for both teams as they seek to improve their positions in the World Test Championship standings.

Sri Lanka will aim to make the most of their squad options and compete strongly in both matches. The team will also be looking for consistent performances from its experienced players and those returning to the side.

For Mendis, the series will be an important assignment as he begins his tenure as Sri Lanka’s Test captain. He will need to manage player fitness, make effective selection decisions and guide the team through two challenging away matches.

Pakistan, meanwhile, will have home advantage and will look to use familiar conditions to their benefit. However, the results will ultimately depend on how both teams perform during the series.