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Sarfaraz Ahmed Appointed Head Coach as Pakistan Name Squad for Bangladesh Tests

Pakistan has announced a 16-member squad for their upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh in the ICC World Test Championship. The squad features four uncapped players: Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, and Ghazi Ghori, blending youth with experienced stars like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi. In a significant coaching change, former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed as the head coach for the tour, with Asad Shafiq and Umar Gul as batting and bowling coaches respectively. The series begins on May 8 in Dhaka as Pakistan, currently fifth in the WTC standings, looks to improve their position against eighth-placed Bangladesh.

Key Points: Pakistan Squad & Coaching Staff for Bangladesh Test Series

  • Sarfaraz Ahmed appointed head coach
  • Four uncapped players in squad
  • Shan Masood to captain
  • Two-Test series starts May 8
2 min read

Sarfaraz Ahmed named head coach as Pakistan announce squad for Bangladesh Tests

Pakistan names 16-member squad with 4 uncapped players and appoints Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

"Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been named head coach. - Pakistan Cricket Board"

New Delhi, April 18

Pakistan's have announced a 16-member squad for their upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Captain Shan Masood will lead a refreshed team in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle

Currently, Pakistan is in fifth place on the WTC table, with a 50 percent points tally. They aim to improve their standing against a Bangladesh side sitting in eighth place. This two-match series, starting 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 Pakistan Cricket Board has also announced a new coaching setup for the tour.

Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been named head coach. Asad Shafiq will serve as batting coach, and Umar Gul will take on the role of bowling coach.

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

Schedule:

First Test: May 8-12, Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium

Second Test: May 16-20, Sylhet International Cricket

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan, I'm always excited for a new Test series. The blend of youth and experience in this squad looks promising. Hope the uncapped players get a fair chance to prove themselves. The World Test Championship needs more competitive series like this.
A
Arjun K
Good to see fresh faces getting a chance. Domestic performance should always be rewarded. But honestly, as an Indian fan, my main focus is on our own team's WTC standing 😅. Hope it's a good, competitive series for the sake of Test cricket.
V
Vikram M
Shan Masood as captain still feels a bit experimental. And appointing a former wicketkeeper as head coach directly is a big jump, no? Hope Sarfaraz has the tactical mind for it. The coaching staff of Shafiq and Gul seems solid though.
P
Priya S
Always love watching Babar Azam bat, pure class! 🏏 Hope the young players like Azan Awais learn from him. Test cricket in Bangladesh can be tricky with the spin. Should be a good contest if Bangladesh puts up a fight at home.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, the PCB's constant chopping and changing of coaches and captains is not a sign of stability. Sarfaraz is a passionate guy, but does he have the coaching credentials? Wish them the best, but they need a long-term vision, not just series-by-series reactions.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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