Sarfaraz Ahmed appointed Pakistan Test head coach; Asad Shafiq and Umar Gul take coaching roles

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach of the national men’s Test team ahead of the two-Test series against Bangladesh next month.

Asad Shafiq, a former Test regular, has been named batting coach, while former fast bowler Umar Gul will serve as bowling coach in the restructured Test setup, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The PCB also announced a 16-member squad for the Bangladesh Test series, which includes four uncapped players: Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais and Ghazi Ghori.

Of these, Ghori has prior international experience, having played one ODI against Bangladesh in Mirpur recently.

Shan Masood, the veteran left-handed batter, will continue as captain, although there has been a significant overhaul of the support staff around him.

Sarfaraz, who retired from international cricket last month, brings leadership experience, having captained Pakistan to the ICC Champions Trophy title in 2017.

He also served as mentor and manager of the Pakistan Shaheens on their tour against England Lions earlier this year. Shafiq, known for his steadfastness in Test cricket, accumulated 4,660 runs in 77 Tests, including 12 centuries.

Gul, one of Pakistan’s most successful fast bowlers, took 427 wickets in 237 international matches. Preparation for the Bangladesh tour is underway.