Sarfaraz Ahmed named head coach of Pakistan Test team; four new players in team

LAHORE: Pakistan has announced its squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, scheduled for next month. The most notable decision is the recall of 36-year-old fast bowler Mohammad Abbas. The selectors have also made major changes to the team by including four new players.

Former Test captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed as the head coach of the Test team by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Along with Sarfaraz, former players Asad Shafiq have been named batting coach and Umar Gul as bowling coach. Naveed Akram Cheema has returned as team manager after recent controversies.

Four uncapped players- Abdullah Fazal, Ahsan Awais, Amad Butt, and Ghazi Ghauri- have been included in the squad. Abbas last played a Test match in January 2025 against South Africa in Cape Town. Meanwhile, opener Abdullah Shafique, batter Kamran Ghulam, and spinners Asif Afridi and Abrar Ahmed have been dropped due to poor form. Shan Masood will continue as the captain. The two-match Test series will begin in May. The first Test will be played in Dhaka on May 8, and the second Test will take place in Sylhet on May 16.