By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Pakistan’s national selection committee has signaled a shift toward the future, naming four uncapped players in a 16-man squad for next month’s two-Test series against Bangladesh, while appointing former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach.
The series, which forms a critical part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, begins on May 8 at Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The second and final Test will be hosted at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from May 16-20.
Shan Masood retains the captaincy for a tour defined by a blend of established stars and fresh faces. The selection of top-order batsman Abdullah Fazal, all-rounder Amad Butt, and youngsters Azan Awais and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori marks a clear intent to broaden the nation’s talent pool in the longest format of the game.
Abdullah Shafique has been dropped. He was part of the home series against South Africa in October last year.
Pacer Mohammad Abbas, who had last played a Test against South Africa in Cape Town in January 2025, has also returned to the squad. A veteran of 27 Tests has a wealth of experience also in county cricket.
The coaching staff also undergoes a significant overhaul. Sarfaraz Ahmed, who famously led Pakistan to the 2017 Champions Trophy title, takes over as head coach. Sarfaraz transitions into the role with recent momentum, having served as mentor for the Pakistan U19 team during their successful Asia Cup campaign and managing the Pakistan Shaheens during their series against England Lions earlier this year.
Supporting Sarfaraz is a backroom staff of former international mainstays. Asad Shafiq, veteran of 77 Tests, has been named batting coach, while prolific former fast bowler Umar Gul takes charge of the bowling department.
“The appointments bring a wealth of tactical experience and a deep understanding of the domestic structure,” a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official said.
Five members of the squad, including the uncapped Awais and Ghori, are currently training at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. The full squad is expected to assemble in Karachi on April 27 for a brief preparatory camp before flying to Bangladesh on May 2.
The PCB confirmed that players currently competing in the HBL PSL XI will join the national camp immediately following their respective franchises’ elimination or the conclusion of the tournament final.
The tour represents a vital opportunity for Pakistan to climb the World Test Championship standings against a Bangladesh side traditionally formidable in home conditions.
Pakistan Squad:
Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Team management:
Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Sarfaraz Ahmed (head coach), Asad Shafiq (batting coach), Umar Gul (bowling coach), Abdul Saad (fielding coach) Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Lt. Col. (retd) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)
