Pakistan Announces Squad for Upcoming Test Series Against Bangladesh
Pakistan's Test Squad Unveiled for Bangladesh Series
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the team lineup for the two-match Test series scheduled against Bangladesh in May. This series is part of the World Test Championship (WTC). The opening Test is set to take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from May 8 to 12, while the second Test will be hosted at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from May 16 to 20. Currently, Pakistan ranks fifth in the WTC standings with one win and one loss, whereas Bangladesh sits in eighth place with one loss and one draw. A victory for either team could significantly alter their positions in the points table.
In a notable move, PCB has included four players who will make their Test debuts: Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori. Shan Masood will remain the captain despite the team's recent struggles. The squad also features key players such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Salman Agha. Five players, including Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan, are currently participating in the ongoing NCA Red-Ball Camp in Lahore. The team is scheduled to convene on April 27 for a training camp in Karachi, with players involved in the PSL joining after the tournament concludes.
New Coaching Appointments by PCB
In addition to the squad announcement, PCB has appointed former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as the red-ball coach for the national team. Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, also served as a mentor for the Pakistan U19 team, guiding them to the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup title earlier this year. Furthermore, former batsman Asad Shafique and experienced bowler Umar Gul have been designated as the batting and bowling coaches, respectively.
Complete Pakistan Squad
The finalized squad 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.