Pakistan star batter Babar Azam and fast bowler Khurram Shahzad are set to join the national Test squad in Dhaka after a short delay caused by their participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Both players were part of the Peshawar Zalmi setup and had remained with their franchise for the PSL final, which concluded only recently.
Due to their domestic commitments, the two cricketers did not travel earlier with the rest of the Pakistan Test squad to Bangladesh. However, they are now scheduled to reach Dhaka late at night and will link up with the team ahead of the upcoming Test series. Alongside them, a few members of the national team’s support staff have also departed for Bangladesh to complete preparations on the ground.
According to official sources, Pakistan’s Test squad is set to begin its first training session in Dhaka today. The team is preparing for a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, with the opening match scheduled to start on May 8. The second Test will be played on May 16 in Sylhet, marking an important red-ball assignment for the visitors.
The squad is led by Shan Masood and includes a blend of experienced and young players such as Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Babar Azam. Other squad members include Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, and several emerging talents.
In the coaching setup, former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed as head coach for the Bangladesh tour. Former Test cricketers Asad Shafiq and Umar Gul have been assigned key responsibilities as batting and bowling coaches respectively, bringing experience and tactical insight to the side.
Team management is focusing on adjusting quickly to local conditions, with training sessions designed to prepare players for spin-friendly pitches typically seen in Bangladesh. The inclusion of senior players like Babar Azam is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s batting lineup, while the pace attack led by Shaheen Shah Afridi will play a crucial role in early breakthroughs.
As the tour approaches, Pakistan will be aiming for a strong start in the World Test Championship cycle, with both matches carrying significant importance for rankings and momentum.
