KARACHI, April 19 — Pakistan national cricket team have named a 16-member squad for their upcoming Test series against Bangladesh national cricket team, introducing several uncapped players as part of efforts to strengthen their red-ball lineup.
The two-match series, beginning on May 8, forms part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. Pakistan are currently placed fifth in the standings with a points percentage of 50%, while Bangladesh sit eighth with 16.67%.
Opening batter Shan Masood will continue to lead the side. The selectors have included four uncapped players — Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais and Ghazi Ghori — reflecting a focus on rewarding domestic performances and building bench strength.
Left-handed batters Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais earned call-ups following consistent displays in domestic competitions. Amad Butt, a bowling all-rounder, brings experience from Pakistan’s domestic circuit since his first-class debut in 2015. Wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori has limited international exposure, having made his one-day debut against Bangladesh last month.
The squad retains a core of experienced players, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Salman Ali Agha.
The full squad comprises 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.
Ahead of the tour, available players — excluding those participating in the Pakistan Super League — will attend a training camp in Karachi from April 27 to May 1.
The Pakistan Cricket Board also confirmed its coaching staff, appointing former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach, with Asad Shafiq as batting coach and Umar Gul as bowling coach.
The first Test will be held at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from May 8 to 12, followed by the second match at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from May 16 to 20.