Pak recall Mohammad Abbas, name Sarfaraz Ahmed head coach for Bangladesh Test tour

Pakistan have announced a significant reshuffle in their red ball setup, recalling veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas and appointing former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach for the upcoming two match Test series in Bangladesh next month.

The move comes as Pakistan look to rebuild their Test structure in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle , bringing in a mix of experience and youth for a crucial away assignment.

Abbas, now 36, returns to the Test side after his last appearance in January 2025 against South Africa in Cape Town, where he claimed three wickets. His inclusion is seen as an effort to strengthen the pace attack with experience in subcontinent conditions.

In a notable development, the PCB has handed over the red ball coaching responsibilities to Sarfaraz Ahmed , who will now lead the Test side’s preparation while also continuing his role as a national selector. Former Test players Asad Shafiq and Umar Gul have been appointed batting and bowling coaches respectively, marking a revamped support structure.

The squad features four uncapped players, Abdullah Fazal, Azan Awais, Amad Butt and wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghouri , all of whom are yet to make their international debut. Shan Masood continues as captain, leading a side that also includes senior players such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali and Imam ul Haq .

Several players from the previous squad have been dropped, including Asif Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam and Rohail Nazir.

Pakistan’s last Test assignment ended in a 1-1 draw against South Africa at home , and they now travel to Bangladesh for the series beginning at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from May 8-12 , followed by the second Test in Sylhet from May 16-20.