In a bold move that signals a fresh era for Pakistan cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced a revamped coaching structure and a 16-man squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh.
The upcoming tour, scheduled for May 2026, represents a significant cultural shift within the dressing room. While Shan Masood remains at the helm as captain, he will be supported by a powerhouse backroom staff. Joining the new head coach are two stalwarts of the game: Asad Shafiq, known for his grit and 12 Test centuries, takes over as the batting coach, while the legendary Umar Gul returns to oversee the pace attack as the bowling coach.
PCB unveils new head coach for the tour of Bangladesh
The most striking development is the appointment of former Champions Trophy-winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as the head coach. Having only retired from international cricket last month, Sarfaraz transitions immediately from the pitch to the dugout, bringing his renowned tactical acumen to a side looking to climb the World Test Championship standings.
The decision to appoint Sarfaraz is a calculated gamble by the PCB. Sarfaraz is widely respected for his leadership during Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy triumph and his recent stint as a mentor for the Pakistan Shaheens. His deep understanding of the current crop of players is expected to bridge the gap between senior stars and the emerging youth.
The coaching trio of Sarfaraz, Shafiq, and Gul represents a golden generation of Pakistan cricket. With 427 international wickets to Gul’s name and Shafiq’s experience of 77 Test matches, the management provides a wealth of technical knowledge. This shift suggests the PCB is prioritizing local expertise and cricket intelligence to guide the team through the challenging spin-friendly conditions expected in Dhaka and Sylhet.
Pakistan names 16-man squad featuring four uncapped talents
The selection committee has injected significant fresh blood into the Test contingent, naming four uncapped players: Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori. Of these, only the wicketkeeper-batter Ghori has tasted international flavour, having recently debuted in an ODI against Bangladesh. Their inclusion highlights a clear intent to broaden the bench strength ahead of a busy international calendar.
The squad remains anchored by world-class talent, with Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan providing the necessary backbone. The spin department looks particularly potent for the Bangladesh tracks, featuring the seasoned duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan.
Pakistan Test Squad: Shan Masood (c), 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, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The team is set to depart for Bangladesh on May 2, following a brief preparatory camp in Karachi. With the first Test starting in Dhaka on May 8, all eyes will be on how Sarfaraz’s leadership translates from behind the stumps to the head coach’s chair.
