ISLAMABAD: Sarfaraz Ahmad takes over as Test team head coach (The News broke the story three weeks back) as some top performers were left out of Pakistan’s squad selected for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship two-match series against Bangladesh.
Among the most notable omissions is left-arm spinners Ali Usman and Asif Afridi. Asif, who produced a spell of 6 for 79 against South Africa in the last Test Pakistan played, was ignored. His exclusion becomes even more puzzling given the expected spin-friendly conditions in Bangladesh, where his experience and control could have proven invaluable.
Ali Usman finished as the leading wicket-taker in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy with an impressive haul of 48 wickets. He further underlined his credentials in the President Trophy, where he picked up 25 wickets in just four matches while representing PTV. With such remarkable consistency across formats, Ali appeared a natural fit for sub-continental conditions.
Questions have also been raised over the wicket-keeping department. Despite a solid domestic record and consistent performances, Rohail Nazir failed to find a place either as a first-choice or backup wicketkeeper. His continued exclusion suggests a lack of clarity in Pakistan’s long-term planning for the role.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan, whose recent international and domestic cricket form had come under scrutiny, has managed to retain his place in the squad. The selectors appear to have placed their faith in his experience, offering him another opportunity to anchor the lower middle order and deliver under pressure.
In the batting department, Abdullah Shafique’s omission has also caught attention. The right-hander had shown signs of form with a composed half-century in Pakistan’s previous Test, making his exclusion somewhat unexpected.
On the other hand, the inclusion of Abdullah Fazal, the leading run-scorer in the President Trophy, indicates that domestic performances have not been entirely overlooked. Similarly, all-rounder Ammad Butt, who was part of the England tour but did not feature in the playing XI, has made a comeback, His inclusion suggests the team management continues to see potential in him despite limited opportunities at the highest level.
With conditions in Bangladesh historically favouring spin and patience, Pakistan’s selection choices could play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the series. As the team prepares to embark on this crucial World Test Championship assignment, the spotlight will firmly remain on those entrusted with the responsibility, and on those who were left behind despite knocking loudly on the selectors’ door.
The PCB also confirms the appointment of red-ball coaches for the Bangladesh tour, with former Test captain Sarfaraz Ahmed appointed as head coach. Sarfaraz, won two ICC titles as captain of Pakistan, ICC U19 World Cup 2006 and ICC Champions Trophy 2017 also guided Pakistan U19 to the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup title as mentor/manager five months ago. He was also mentor/manager of Pakistan Shaheens against England Lions series earlier this year.
Former Test cricketers Asad Shafiq and Umar Gul will work as batting and bowling coaches, respectively, on the tour. Asad featured in 147 international matches (77 Tests, 60 ODIs, 10 T20Is), scoring 6,188 runs, including 12 centuries and 36 half-centuries. Right-arm fast bowler Umar featured in 237 international matches (47 Tests, 130 ODIs, 60 T20Is), taking 427 wickets.
16-member squad:
Shan Masood (captain), 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 and Shaheen Shah Afridi
Team management:
Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Sarfaraz Ahmed (head coach), Asad Shafiq (batting coach), Umar Gul (bowling coach), Abdul Saad (fielding coach) Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)
