Sarfaraz Ahmed Named Head Coach as Pakistan Unveil New-Look Squad for Bangladesh Tests

Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a revamped Test squad for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, appointing former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach and including four uncapped players for the two-match series.

The squad, to be led by Shan Masood, features fresh faces Abdullah Fazal, Azan Awais, Ghazi Ghori and Amad Butt, all of whom have impressed in domestic cricket. The changes come after Pakistan’s previous Test assignment against South Africa national cricket team at home, with five players—Abdullah Shafique, Asif Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam and Rohail Nazir—being dropped.

New Faces Rewarded for Domestic Performances

Abdullah Fazal earned selection after finishing as the leading run-scorer in the recent President’s Trophy, amassing 622 runs in seven matches at an average of 51.83, including two centuries.

Wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori also impressed with 531 runs at 48.27, while Azan Awais has been a consistent performer over the last two domestic seasons, scoring 2,673 runs at an average of 48.6 with ten centuries.

Fast-bowling allrounder Amad Butt secured his place after a strong season, claiming 32 wickets at 19.21 and contributing useful runs. His standout performance included a match-winning spell in a low-scoring domestic contest earlier this year.

Sarfaraz Begins Coaching Tenure

This marks Sarfaraz Ahmed’s first assignment as head coach of the senior national side. The former skipper, who famously led Pakistan to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, recently guided the Under-19 team to an Asia Cup title and worked with Pakistan Shaheens.

He will be supported by former teammates Asad Shafiq as batting coach and Umar Gul as bowling coach, forming a new-look backroom staff.

Abbas Returns, Core Remains Intact

Experienced seamer Mohammad Abbas returns to the Test squad after missing recent series, having been in action in county cricket. He joins a pace attack that includes Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali and Khurram Shahzad.

The batting unit retains its experienced core, featuring Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq. Spin duties will be handled by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan.

Series Details

The two-Test series against Bangladesh national cricket team will begin in Dhaka on May 8, followed by the second Test in Sylhet from May 16. The tour forms part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle.

With a blend of youth and experience, Pakistan will look to start strongly under new leadership as they continue their red-ball campaign.