Pakistan have announced a 16-man squad for an upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, with Shan Masood set to captain a refreshed group. The tour forms part of Pakistan’s ongoing ICC World Test Championship campaign, where they are currently seeking upward momentum in the standings.
Pakistan are placed fifth in the WTC table, carrying a points percentage of 50. Bangladesh sit eighth, and with the series beginning on May 8, both teams will be looking to gain valuable ground. Pakistan’s selection also reflects a willingness to rotate in new faces, with four players receiving their maiden Test call-ups.
At a glance
- Pakistan named a 16-member squad for a two-Test series vs Bangladesh.
- Captain: Shan Masood.
- Series dates: first Test from May 8–12; second Test from May 16–20.
- Series venues: Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (Dhaka) and Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (Sylhet).
- Uncapped Test call-ups: Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Ghazi Ghori.
- Pakistan WTC position: fifth, with a 50 percent points tally; Bangladesh: eighth.
- Red-ball camp: Karachi from April 27 to May 1 for players not in the Pakistan Super League.
Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais, both left-handed batters, have earned their debut opportunities after steady domestic performances. Amad Butt comes in as a bowling all-rounder, with experience built since his first-class debut in 2015. Ghazi Ghori, a wicketkeeper-batter, has also added recent international exposure after making his ODI debut against Bangladesh.
While the squad includes new talent, Pakistan have also kept a seasoned spine intact. The group features Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Salman Ali Agha, aiming to balance emerging players with proven match-winners.
Preparations and coaching changes
In the lead-up to the tour, players not currently involved in the Pakistan Super League will report for a red-ball training camp in Karachi. The camp is scheduled to run from April 27 to May 1, giving the group time to fine-tune skills suited to longer-format cricket.
Pakistan Cricket Board has also introduced a new coaching set-up. Sarfaraz Ahmed, the former captain, has been appointed head coach, with Asad Shafiq working as batting coach. Umar Gul will take charge as bowling coach for the Test campaign.
The squad for the series includes: Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Match schedule
The first Test is scheduled for May 8 to May 12 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The second Test will follow from May 16 to May 20 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
