Mohsin Naqvi says 80-90 percent of Test squad will be youngsters
Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that 80-90 percent of Pakistan's Test squad against Sri Lanka will be youngsters. Senior players face uncertain futures unless their experience is deemed essential.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that 80 to 90 percent of the squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka will consist of youngsters. Naqvi said selectors will include only those senior players whose experience is necessary for the two-match series starting November 7.
The approach is unlikely to favor senior players including Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq. Rizwan, Agha and Haq were already omitted from the middle of the Test series against England while Masood's injury has raised questions about his selection.
Naqvi urged young players not to let fame affect their performance and said the board is correcting past mistakes in talent identification and development. He confirmed the squad will be announced on Saturday.
CricHubb Take
The policy signals a structural shift in Pakistan's selection philosophy that prioritizes long-term development over short-term results. This approach carries risks if the young players struggle against Sri Lanka's experienced Test attack.