Arafat Minhas recently became part of Pakistan’s revamped Test squad for the final match of the England series. The Pakistan Cricket Board called up the left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder on August 31, 2026, after making sweeping changes following defeats in the first two Tests. Minhas joined the squad in Birmingham ahead of the Edgbaston Test, but he was ultimately not included in Pakistan’s playing XI. The development remains significant because the call-up gave the 21-year-old another opportunity to move closer to establishing himself across formats for Pakistan.
Why Arafat Minhas Was Called Up
The PCB announced seven changes to Pakistan’s Test squad following the Lord’s Test. Seven players, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha, were released, while seven replacements were added for the third Test against England.
Arafat Minhas was among the replacements. Unlike four of the other new additions, he already had international experience, having represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is. His inclusion therefore gave the selectors a player who had already experienced international cricket, although he had yet to make his Test debut.
Arafat Minhas Joined Pakistan in Birmingham
Minhas was reported to have joined the Pakistan squad after the team reached Birmingham ahead of the third Test. Dunya News reported on September 3 that Minhas, Abdullah Fazal and Mohammad Imran Randhawa had joined the touring group as preparations began at Edgbaston.
The third Test started on September 9 at Edgbaston, with Pakistan already 2-0 down in the three-match series. The squad changes meant that Minhas was part of a much younger and less experienced group brought into the setup for the final match.
Arafat Minhas Did Not Make the Playing XI
Despite being included in the Test squad, Arafat Minhas did not make Pakistan’s final XI for the Edgbaston Test.
The confirmed Pakistan XI featured Azan Awais, Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, Razaullah, Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali. Minhas was among the players listed on the bench.
This distinction is important because a squad call-up does not automatically mean that a player will make his international debut. In Minhas’ case, the PCB confirmed his inclusion in the Test squad, but his Test debut did not happen in Birmingham.
Why His Test Debut Did Not Happen
The available match information shows that Pakistan selected a pace-heavy combination for the Edgbaston Test, with Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Razaullah and Mohammad Imran Randhawa included alongside the other players.
Minhas is primarily a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder. Edgbaston conditions were widely discussed before the match in terms of their potential assistance to seam bowling. The final selection therefore left Minhas among Pakistan’s reserve options rather than in the XI.
There was speculation before the Test that Minhas could make his debut, but those predictions were not confirmed by the final team selection. Dawn, for example, reported before the match that Razaullah and Minhas were possible debutants, while the eventual XI did not include the young spinner.
Arafat Minhas’ International Record Before the Call-Up
Minhas had already established himself as an international white-ball player before receiving his Test call-up.
According to the PCB, he had represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is when he was selected for the England Test squad. His international breakthrough became particularly notable during Pakistan’s ODI series against Australia earlier in 2026.
In his ODI debut against Australia in May, Minhas produced a major performance with the ball. He took five wickets for 32 runs, helping Pakistan defeat Australia by five wickets. He became the first Pakistan bowler to take five wickets on ODI debut, according to Radio Pakistan.
That performance helped establish Minhas as one of Pakistan’s emerging all-round options in limited-overs cricket.
His Domestic Cricket Record
Minhas has also continued to gain experience in Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure.
In the National Champions Cup 2026, he represented Pakistan Blues. The PCB’s official tournament statistics show that he played three matches, bowled 174 deliveries and took four wickets, with best figures of 2-36. He also scored 50 runs during the tournament.
The tournament was held from August 11 to 18 in Multan and was designed as part of Pakistan’s preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Minhas was included in the Pakistan Blues playing XI alongside players such as Sahibzada Farhan, Hasan Ali and Sufyan Moqim.
What the Test Call-Up Means for Minhas
Although Minhas did not play at Edgbaston, his selection itself represented another step in his international career.
The PCB’s decision showed that the left-arm spinner was being considered beyond Pakistan’s white-ball setup. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives him a different skill set from a specialist spinner, which can be useful when selectors are building a balanced squad.
However, a Test squad selection should not be treated as confirmation that Minhas has established a permanent place in Pakistan’s red-ball team. His Test debut remains pending, and future selections will depend on team requirements, domestic performances and the balance of the playing XI.
Arafat Minhas and Pakistan’s Next Generation
Minhas’ rise has taken place alongside a broader effort to introduce younger players into Pakistan’s national setup.
The changes made before the Edgbaston Test brought several relatively inexperienced players into the squad. Alongside Minhas, Pakistan called up players including Saad Baig, Razaullah, Mohammad Imran Jnr and Mohammad Imran Randhawa.
For Minhas, the experience of travelling with the Test squad and training in England can also provide exposure to red-ball cricket at the international level, even though he did not receive a debut. His previous international experience means he already has a foundation from which to develop.
What Happens Next for Arafat Minhas?
As of September 20, 2026, there is no official announcement confirming Arafat Minhas’ Test debut or a new Test selection following the England series.
The immediate significance of the England tour is that Minhas was considered for a Test role but remained outside the playing XI. His recent domestic and white-ball performances remain the clearest indicators of his current competitive role.
The PCB has also confirmed that the 2026-27 domestic first-class season is underway, with the President’s Trophy Grade-I beginning on September 12. The tournament features eight teams and runs through October 28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Arafat Minhas make his Test debut for Pakistan?
No. Arafat Minhas was included in Pakistan’s Test squad for the third England Test but remained on the bench and did not play in the match.
Why was Arafat Minhas selected for the England Test squad?
The PCB selected Minhas as one of seven replacements after making major changes to the Test squad following Pakistan’s defeat at Lord’s.
How many ODIs has Arafat Minhas played for Pakistan?
Before his Test call-up, Minhas had represented Pakistan in three ODIs. He had also played four T20Is.
What was Arafat Minhas’ best ODI performance?
His standout ODI performance came on debut against Australia, when he took five wickets for 32 runs. Pakistan won the match by five wickets.
Is Arafat Minhas a batsman or bowler?
Minhas is a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder. He can contribute with both his left-arm orthodox bowling and batting.
Conclusion
Arafat Minhas’ latest major development is his elevation into Pakistan’s Test setup during the England tour. The PCB called him up after a major squad reshuffle, and he joined the team in Birmingham ahead of the Edgbaston Test. However, he did not make the final XI and therefore remains without a Test debut. His five-wicket ODI debut against Australia and continued domestic cricket provide important context to his progress. For now, Minhas remains an emerging Pakistan all-rounder with international white-ball experience and an opportunity to continue pushing for a larger role across formats.
One Response