In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh national cricket team, the Pakistan Cricket Board has unveiled a new coaching setup. Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed as the head coach—just a month after retiring from international cricket.
Sarfaraz Ahmed Takes Charge
Sarfaraz Ahmed, who famously led Pakistan to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, now steps into a major leadership role off the field. He recently worked as a mentor with Pakistan Shaheens and was widely expected to take up a bigger responsibility soon after retirement.
Experienced Support Staff
Joining him in the coaching unit are two former Pakistan stars:
- Asad Shafiq as batting coach, who played 77 Tests and scored over 4,600 runs
- Umar Gul as bowling coach, with an impressive tally of 427 international wickets
Together, this trio brings a wealth of experience to guide the team.
Leadership on the Field
Shan Masood will continue as captain for the two-match Test series, providing stability in leadership as the new coaching group settles in.
Fresh Faces in the Squad
Pakistan has named a 16-member squad for the tour, including four new players:
- Abdullah Fazal
- Ahmad Butt
- Aazan Awais
- Ghazi Ghori
Except for Ghori, the rest are uncapped, signaling a focus on building future talent alongside experienced players.
Series Schedule and Preparation
The team will hold a preparatory camp in Karachi from April 27 to May 1 before departing for Bangladesh on May 2. The two Test matches are scheduled as follows:
- Dhaka: May 8–12
- Sylhet: May 16–20
Full Squad Snapshot
Key names in the squad include Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Hasan Ali.
