Pakistan leave out Masood, Sajid and Noman for home Tests against SL

Pakistan have omitted Shan Masood, their Test captain for most of the last three years, for their upcoming home Test series against Sri Lanka.

Masood, 37, has been struggling to regain fitness after picking up a niggle during the President's Trophy, but also endured an indifferent tour of England, one that saw wholesale changes mid-series. The PCB's press release did not mention why Masood was absent from the squad, and did not immediately respond to Cricinfo's query on their decision either.

The aftershocks of that selectorial shake-up have extended into Pakistan's home season. Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, hauled back and made to face NCCIA investigations in Pakistan, find no place in the Test squad, either. Abdullah Shafique's brief period of favour with Pakistan's selectors after scoring 184 unbeaten runs in a victory over the West Indies has also concluded. The batter endured a torrid time in England, and though he scored 185 in a first-class game a week ago, it has not been enough to save his spot.

Salman Agha, also sent home mid-tour, does find his way back into the Test side after scoring a triple-hundred upon his return to the domestic circuit in Pakistan. Ali Usman is also one of the returnees after impressing in England before his abrupt recall.

Sajid, Noman left out too

Most notably, perhaps, this is the first series since Pakistan's heel-turn to spinning pitches that neither Sajid Khan nor Noman Ali makes a home Test squad. Sajid went to England but did not play any of the Tests, but the pair have been a fixture for Pakistan on home surfaces designed specifically for their skills. Usman is instead accompanied by allrounder Arafat Minhas, whose stocks have risen thanks to the ongoing ODI series.

His explosive younger brother Sameer Minhas also finds his way into the side as a top-order batter. Mohammad Taha, who is the leading runscorer in the President's Trophy, has also been called up, as has middle-order batter Mohammad Suleman.

Pakistan have named 14 players, with two pace bowlers to be added. For now the only seam bowlers named are Mohammad Abbas and Razaullah, whose all-round heroics in the third Test enchanted Pakistan on an otherwise bleak tour. A decision on the final two seam bowlers will be taken after a three-day tour game against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan play two Tests against Sri Lanka between November 9 and 21. The games take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore.