Pakistan Announce Squad for Bangladesh Test Series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially confirmed a 16-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, scheduled for next month. While Shan Masood retains his position as captain, the most significant change occurs within the management structure. Former wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed as the new head coach for this specific assignment.

The head coach position for Pakistan’s Test side had remained vacant for several months. Following extensive speculation regarding his potential transition into coaching, Sarfaraz Ahmed’s appointment marks a new chapter for the national side. He will be supported by a veteran coaching staff, with Asad Shafiq serving as the batting coach and Umar Gul overseeing the bowling department.

Squad Composition and New Inclusions

The selection committee has opted for a blend of established international stars and emerging domestic talent. Four uncapped players have earned their maiden call-ups to the national Test side:

• Abdullah Fazal

• Amad Butt

• Azan Awais

• Muhammad Ghazi Ghori

Currently, a segment of the squad—including Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan—is participating in a red-ball training camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore. The remaining members of the 16-man squad are presently competing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Preparation and Tour Itinerary

According to the official PCB press release, a specialized preparatory camp will be convened in Karachi starting 27 April. This camp will conclude on 1 May, with the squad scheduled to depart for Bangladesh on 2 May.

Players currently involved in the PSL will join the Karachi camp immediately following the conclusion of their respective franchise commitments. Should any players reach the PSL final, they will travel directly to Bangladesh upon the tournament’s completion.

Match Schedule and Venues

The series will be contested across two prominent venues in Bangladesh. The first Test is set to take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, followed by the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Official 16-Member Test Squad

The selected squad features a robust bowling attack and a seasoned middle order, led by Masood and bolstered by the presence of former captain Babar Azam.

• Shan Masood (Captain)

• Babar Azam

• Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper)

• Shaheen Shah Afridi

• Imam-ul-Haq

• Hasan Ali

• Abdullah Fazal

• Amad Butt

• Azan Awais

• Khurram Shahzad

• Mohammad Abbas

• Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (Wicketkeeper)

• Noman Ali

• Sajid Khan

• Salman Ali Agha

• Saud Shakeel