Hassan Raza 
Pakistan has announced a refreshed Test squad for their upcoming two-match series in Bangladesh, introducing four uncapped players and unveiling a newly appointed coaching staff. Sarfaraz Ahmed, the former national captain, has been entrusted with his first assignment as head coach of the senior team, signaling a new chapter for Pakistan cricket.
Four Uncapped Players Earn Test Call-Ups
The selectors have handed maiden Test call-ups to Abdullah Fazal, Azan Awais, Ghazi Ghori, and Amad Butt, rewarding their outstanding domestic performances.
- Abdullah Fazal stood out as the leading run-scorer in the recent President’s Trophy, amassing 622 runs in seven matches at an impressive average of 51.83. His consistency was highlighted by two centuries and two fifties, including a match-winning performance in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final.
- Ghazi Ghori, a wicketkeeper-batter, followed closely with 531 runs at 48.27 and matched Fazal’s century tally. Ghori has already debuted for Pakistan in ODIs during their last tour of Bangladesh.
- Azan Awais has been a pillar of consistency across the past two first-class seasons, accumulating 2,673 runs at an average of 48.6 and recording ten centuries. He topped the scoring charts in the 2024-25 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with 844 runs in eight matches.
- Amad Butt, recognized for his fast-bowling all-round abilities, claimed 32 wickets at 19.21 in the latest domestic campaign and contributed 206 runs. His all-round prowess was vital in PTV’s record-setting defense against SNGPL and in leading both Sialkot and PTV to domestic titles last season.
Significant Changes and Notable Recalls
This squad marks five changes from Pakistan’s previous Test series against South Africa. Dropped from the group are Abdullah Shafique, Asif Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, and Rohail Nazir. In contrast, Mohammad Abbas returns to the fold after impressing in county cricket with Derbyshire, rejoining a pace attack that also features Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Khurram Shahzad.
New-Look Coaching Staff Led by Sarfaraz Ahmed
Sarfaraz Ahmed leads the coaching team for the first time at the senior level, following successful stints with Pakistan’s Under-19s and the Shaheens. He is joined by former teammates Asad Shafiq as batting coach and Umar Gul as bowling coach. While Shafiq steps into coaching for the first time-having played a role on both men’s and women’s selection panels-Gul brings prior experience from Pakistan’s white-ball coaching setup.
Squad Overview and Series Schedule
The core of the squad remains intact, with established names like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Saud Shakeel, and Imam-ul-Haq reinforcing the batting. Spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan complete the lineup. Shan Masood continues as captain, steering Pakistan through the current ICC World Test Championship cycle.
The first Test against Bangladesh is scheduled for May 8 in Dhaka, with the second Test following in Sylhet from May 16.
Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh Test Series
- 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
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
Looking Ahead
This squad selection marks a decisive step towards rejuvenation, blending experienced campaigners with emerging domestic talent. With a revamped coaching team and a focus on rewarding first-class excellence, Pakistan aims to make a strong statement on their Bangladesh tour and in the ongoing World Test Championship.
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