Sarfaraz Ahmed Appointed Pakistan Test Coach for Bangladesh Tour; Four Uncapped Players Named

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed head coach of Pakistan's senior men's Test team for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, marking his first assignment in charge of the national side at the senior level.

The appointment is for the Bangladesh tour only, where Pakistan will play a two-match Test series next month as part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

Sarfaraz Ahmed steps into short-term coaching role

Sarfaraz, who recently retired from international cricket, transitions into the role after serving as mentor-manager of Pakistan's Under-19 side, guiding them to the Asia Cup title.

Former Test cricketers Asad Shafiq and Umar Gul have also been included in the support staff as batting and bowling coaches respectively.

Regular Test captain Shan Masood will continue to lead the side during the Bangladesh series.

Pakistan include four uncapped players

Pakistan have named four uncapped players in their squad for the tour, indicating a blend of youth and experience.

The uncapped players include:

• Abdullah Fazal
• Amad Butt
• Azan Awais
• Muhammad Ghazi Ghori

Several squad members are already participating in a red-ball training camp in Lahore, including Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan.

Tour schedule and preparation timeline

Pakistan will assemble in Karachi on April 27 for a preparatory training camp running until May 1. The team is scheduled to depart for Bangladesh on May 2.

Players currently involved in the Pakistan Super League will join the squad once their respective campaigns conclude. Those featuring in the PSL final will link up with the squad after the tournament ends on May 3.

The two-match Test series schedule is as follows:

• First Test:May 8-12, Dhaka
• Second Test: May 16-20, Sylhet

Both matches will count toward the ongoing World Test Championship standings.

Pakistan squad for Bangladesh Tests

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.