Pakistan Announce 16-Member Test Squad For Bangladesh Tour

Pakistan named a 16-member squad for Bangladesh Tests with Naseem Shah missing, while Babar Azam is set to reclaim a key batting position.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially unveiled a 16-member squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on May 8 in Dhaka. Led by Shan Masood, Pakistan will compete in a two-match series forming part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

The squad features a solid core including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and Hasan Ali.

Selectors have also handed opportunities to four uncapped players, Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, signaling a blend of youth and experience.

Meanwhile, players such as Imam-ul-Haq, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Azan Awais, and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, who are not involved in PSL 2026, are currently participating in a red-ball training camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

Naseem Shah Omitted, Mohammad Abbas Returns

A major talking point from the squad announcement is the absence of Naseem Shah. The young pacer has been sidelined after suffering a side strain/intercostal injury during PSL 2026. His omission comes despite his reputation as one of Pakistan’s most promising fast bowlers.

Although he is expected to regain fitness later in the tournament, the selectors have opted for alternatives like Shaheen Afridi, Amad Butt, and Hasan Ali for the Bangladesh Tests.

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In contrast, veteran seamer Mohammad Abbas has earned a recall following outstanding performances in domestic and county cricket, where he picked up 38 wickets in just seven matches. His experience is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s pace attack.

Babar Azam’s Role Clarified

The team management appears ready to restore Babar Azam to his preferred No.4 position in the Test lineup. The former captain has an impressive record at this spot, scoring over 2600 runs at an average above 50, including the majority of his Test centuries.

Despite recent inconsistency and being shuffled across positions, Babar has shown strong form in PSL 2026, leading Peshawar Zalmi with over 300 runs in six innings.

In addition to squad changes, Pakistan has also restructured its coaching setup. Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed as the new red-ball head coach, replacing Aaqib Javed. Supporting him on the tour will be Asad Shafiq as batting coach and Umar Gul as bowling coach.

Pakistan Test Squad

Shan Masood (c), 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