The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the squad for the upcoming Bangladesh Test series, while also appointing Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach for the tour. The two match red ball series is scheduled to take place from May 8 to May 20 in Dhaka and Sylhet, forming part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025 to 2027.
Shan Masood will continue to lead the national side, reflecting stability in leadership as Pakistan prepares for a crucial overseas challenge. The squad includes a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, with four uncapped players, Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, earning their first call ups. This move highlights the PCB’s focus on building depth in the red ball format.
Several players, including Azan Awais, Imam ul Haq, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan, are already participating in a training camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. The full squad will gather in Karachi on April 27 for a preparation camp before departing for Bangladesh on May 2. Players currently involved in the Pakistan Super League will join the team once their commitments are completed.
The appointment of Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach has attracted significant attention. A former captain, Sarfaraz is known for leading Pakistan to major victories, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. His recent experience with youth teams and development squads makes him a strong choice to guide the team in challenging conditions.
Supporting him will be Asad Shafiq as batting coach and Umar Gul as bowling coach, both bringing valuable international experience. The squad also features key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Hasan Ali, ensuring a strong core of match winners.
With a balanced squad and experienced management, Pakistan will aim to deliver a strong performance and gain valuable points in the World Test Championship.
