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 team. Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed will take over 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 is currently in fifth place with a total of 50 percent points, while Bangladesh is eighth. The two-match series begins on May 8 and reflects a slightly new approach from the selectors.

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

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

To prepare for the series, players not involved in the Pakistan Super League will attend a training camp in Karachi from April 27 to May 1. Along with the team, the Pakistan Cricket Board also announced a new coaching setup.

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

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