Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed named head coach; Pakistan include 4 uncapped for Bangladesh Tests

NEW DELHI: Pakistan have picked a 16-member squad for their upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, with Shan Masood leading the side. Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed will take charge as head coach, with Asad Shafiq as batting coach and Umar Gul as bowling coach.

The team is looking to improve its position in the ICC World Test Championship, where it currently sits fifth with a 50 percent points tally, while Bangladesh is placed eighth. The two-match series begins on May 8 and reflects a slightly new approach from the selectors.

One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of four uncapped players in Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, and Ghazi Ghori. Fazal and Awais have been rewarded for their strong domestic performances, while Butt brings experience as an all-rounder. Ghori, a wicketkeeper-batter, has already had a taste of international cricket with a recent ODI debut against Bangladesh.

At the same time, Pakistan have kept a solid group of senior players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Salman Ali Agha, giving the squad a good balance of youth and experience.

To get ready for the series, players not involved in the Pakistan Super League will attend a training camp in Karachi from April 27 to May 1. Alongside the squad, the Pakistan Cricket Board has also announced a new coaching setup.

The first Test will be played from May 8 to 12 at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, followed by the second Test from May 16 to 20 at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan squad for Bangladesh Test: Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

130355040