Sarfaraz Khan Appointed Pakistan Test Team Head Coach
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) – In a significant development for Pakistan cricket, former captain Sarfaraz Khan has been named as the head coach of the national Test team. The announcement came alongside the unveiling of a 16-player squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, featuring four uncapped players.
Sarfaraz, a celebrated figure in Pakistani cricket who led the team to victory in the 2017 Champions Trophy, recently announced his retirement from international cricket last month. His appointment marks a new chapter for the team, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the coaching role.
New Coaching Staff
Alongside Sarfaraz, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former Test batter Asad Shafiq as the new batting coach, and Umar Gul will take on the responsibilities of bowling coach. This revamped coaching setup aims to provide comprehensive support and guidance to the team.
Squad Announcement & Uncapped Players
Shan Masood will continue to captain the Test team, with experienced batters Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Imam-ul-Haq also included in the squad. However, the spotlight is on the four players who have earned their first call-ups to the national Test side:
- Abdullah Fazal: A left-handed batter who has consistently impressed in domestic cricket.
- Amad Butt: A seasoned all-rounder with over a decade of experience in first-class cricket, making his debut in 2015.
- Azan Awais: Another promising left-handed batter recognized for his performances in domestic competitions.
- Mohammad Ghazi Ghori: A rising star looking to make his mark on the international stage.
The inclusion of these uncapped players demonstrates the PCB’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and providing opportunities for new faces to represent the nation.
Series Details
The first Test match is scheduled to be held in Dhaka from May 8th to 12th, followed by the second Test in Sylhet from May 16th to 20th. This series is an important part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC), where Pakistan currently stands at No. 5 after a 1-1 draw against South Africa last October. Bangladesh, ranked eighth in the nine-team event, lost their opening WTC series to Sri Lanka 1-0.
Full Pakistan Squad
Shan Masood (Captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
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