Sarfaraz named head coach as Pakistan announce squad for Bangladesh Test

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was named as head coach of the Pakistan Test team as selectors named four uncapped players on Saturday for next month's two-Test series in Bangladesh.

Sarfaraz, who won the Champions Trophy in 2017, retired from international cricket last month.

The Pakistan Cricket Board also appointed former test batter Asad Shafiq as the new batting coach while Umar Gul will be bowling coach.

Left-handed batter Shan Masood will continue to lead the test team with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq the other experienced batters in the side.

Captain Shan Masood will lead a refreshed team in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Currently, Pakistan are in fifth place on the WTC table, with a 50 per cent points tally. They aim to improve their standing against a Bangladesh side sitting in eighth place.

This two-match series, starting on May 8, also represents a shift in strategy as selectors have included four uncapped players in the squad.

Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, and Ghazi Ghori have all received their first Test call-ups.

Fazal and Awais, both left-handed batters, have earned this opportunity through consistent performances in domestic cricket.

Butt brings valuable experience as a bowling all-rounder since his first-class debut in 2015.

Wicketkeeper-batter Ghori also adds international exposure, as he recently made his ODI debut against Bangladesh.

The squad includes a strong core of experienced players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Salman Ali Agha, ensuring a mix of youth and experience.

Before the tour, players not participating in the ongoing Pakistan Super League will gather in Karachi for a red-ball training camp from April 27 to May 1 to prepare.

The first Test will take place from May 8 to 12 at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, followed by the second Test from May 16 to 20 at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Squad: 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

Agencies