Shan Masood to Lead Revamped Squad Featuring Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais & Ghazi Ghori

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Pakistan have announced a refreshed 16-member squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, marking a new era with former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed taking over as head coach. The move comes shortly after his retirement from international cricket and signals a strategic shift by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

A major highlight of the squad is the inclusion of four uncapped players—Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, and Ghazi Ghori—who have earned their maiden call-ups based on domestic and emerging performances. Among them, Ghori has a brief taste of international cricket, having featured in an ODI earlier this year.

Test captain Shan Masood continues to lead the side, but will now work alongside a newly formed support staff. Former international cricketers Asad Shafiq and Umar Gul have been appointed as batting and bowling coaches respectively, strengthening the team’s backroom setup with experienced leadership.

Sarfaraz brings valuable credentials into his coaching role, having famously led Pakistan to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. He also recently served as mentor/manager for Pakistan Shaheens during their tour against England Lions, showcasing his transition into leadership roles off the field.

Several squad members, including Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan, are currently participating in a red-ball conditioning camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. The full squad—excluding players involved in Pakistan Super League 2026 playoffs—will assemble in Karachi from April 27 to May 1 for a preparatory camp.

Pakistan are scheduled to depart for Bangladesh on May 2, with players involved in the PSL final joining the team immediately after the conclusion of the tournament on May 3.

The two-match Test series will begin in Dhaka from May 8 to 12, followed by the second Test in Sylhet from May 16 to 20. This series presents a crucial opportunity for Pakistan to test their new combinations and bench strength in red-ball cricket.

Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh Tests:

Shan Masood (capt), 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.