Sri Lanka have named fast bowler Eshan Malinga and wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara in their squad for the two-Test tour of Pakistan in November, handing both players their maiden Test call-ups while recalling left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka. Bandara replaces Niroshan Dickwella, who was recalled for the home Test series against India in August but has been omitted from the latest squad.
Meanwhile, Kusal Mendis will lead Sri Lanka in his first series as Test captain after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down from the role. Malinga, who has established himself in Sri Lanka's limited-overs teams, has earned his maiden Test call-up after claiming 44 wickets in 19 first-class matches at an average of 31.15.
The 22-year-old Bandara has been rewarded for his impressive first-class record; he averages 65.85 after 31 matches, having scored seven centuries and seven half-centuries, with a highest score of an unbeaten 200. Openers Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara, who featured in the second Test against India in Colombo, have been dropped, along with all-rounder Sahan Arachchige.
Experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal returns to the squad after being substituted out of the first Test in Galle due to concussion. Pathum Nissanka has been named subject to fitness clearance.
Sri Lanka's spin attack will be led by Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha, with all-rounder Sonal Dinusha also included. The pace attack features Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Madushanka and Malinga, while Vishwa Fernando has been left out.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are currently contesting a three-match Twenty20 International (Twenty20 International cricket (T20I)) series. Following the Twenty20 International cricket (T20I) series, Sri Lanka will participate in an ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan and England, scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 18 to 31 October.
After the tri-series, Sri Lanka will play a three-day warm-up match in Islamabad from 4 to 6 November before beginning their two-Test series against Pakistan. The series will form part of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27.
The first Test will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 9 to 13 November, while the second will take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from 17 to 21 November.