Pakistan Cricket Board Unveils New Coaching Staff Ahead of Bangladesh Test Series
New Leadership for Pakistan's Test Team
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Sarfaraz Ahmed, a former captain, as the head coach for the national men's Test team in anticipation of the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh next month. Additionally, Asad Shafiq, a former Test player, will take on the role of batting coach, while Umar Gul, a retired fast bowler, will serve as the bowling coach in this revamped Test setup.
Squad Announcement for Bangladesh Series
In conjunction with the coaching changes, PCB has revealed a 16-member squad for the Test series against Bangladesh, which includes four players who have yet to make their international debuts. The newcomers are Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, and Ghazi Ghori, with Ghori being the only one among them to have played internationally, having participated in a recent ODI against Bangladesh.
Captaincy and Support Staff Changes
Shan Masood will continue as the captain of the team, although there has been a significant reshuffle in the support staff surrounding him.
Profiles of the New Coaching Staff
Sarfaraz Ahmed, who just retired from international cricket last month, brings valuable leadership experience, having led Pakistan to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. Earlier this year, he also acted as a mentor and manager for the Pakistan Shaheens during their tour against the England Lions.
Asad Shafiq, recognized for his reliability in Test cricket, has accumulated 4,660 runs in 77 matches, including 12 centuries.
Umar Gul, one of Pakistan's most accomplished fast bowlers, has taken 427 wickets in 237 international matches.
Training and Match Schedule
Preparations for the tour of Bangladesh are already in progress. Five squad members—Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Ghori, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan—are currently participating in a red-ball conditioning camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
The complete squad, excluding players still engaged in the PSL 2026, will gather in Karachi for a training camp from April 27 to May 1. Those involved in the PSL will join the camp once their commitments are completed.
The two-match Test series is set to commence in Dhaka from May 8 to 12, followed by the second Test in Sylhet from May 16 to 20.
Complete Pakistan Squad and Management
The Pakistan Test squad for the Bangladesh series includes: Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The team management consists of: Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Sarfaraz Ahmed (head coach), Asad Shafiq (batting coach), Umar Gul (bowling coach), Abdul Saad (fielding coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr. Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor), and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur).