Sarfaraz Ahmed Named New Head Coach for Pakistan’s Test Tour of Bangladesh

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board has appointed Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach for Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, scheduled from May 8 to 20. The two-match contest will be part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.

Pakistan will open the series in Dhaka before travelling to Sylhet for the second Test. The first match is set to be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, while the second will take place at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Sarfaraz returns to a leadership role after recent involvement with Pakistan’s development sides. He previously worked with the Under-19 setup and the Pakistan Shaheens, adding to his experience in mentoring young players. His international career also includes leading Pakistan to major ICC titles earlier in his tenure as captain.

Coaching Staff and Squad Updates

The PCB has also confirmed additions to the coaching group, with Asad Shafiq taking charge as batting coach and Umar Gul appointed bowling coach. Abdul Saad has been named fielding coach after working with the women’s team.

Shafiq represented Pakistan across formats, featuring prominently in Test cricket, while Gul remains one of the country’s leading fast bowlers across formats in the past decade. Their inclusion signals a mix of experience in the backroom staff for the Bangladesh tour.

Pakistan have named a 16-player squad for the series, to be led by Shan Masood. Four players, Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, have earned their first call-ups to the national side.

Preparation Plans

The squad will assemble in Karachi later this month for a short training camp before departing for Bangladesh. Players currently involved in the Pakistan Super League will link up with the squad after completing their commitments.

Team management for the tour includes Naveed Akram Cheema as manager, along with support staff covering medical, analysis and logistics roles.