KARACHI:

Pakistan Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed on Wednesday brushed aside criticism over his appointment, saying he remains focused on preparing the national side for their upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 fixtures against Bangladesh.

Speaking during a training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, Sarfaraz acknowledged the debate surrounding his transition from player to head coach but insisted external opinions would not distract him.

“Former cricketers and my ex-colleagues have their own opinions,” he said. “I am very positive about making the most of this new opportunity.”
Sarfaraz, who recently took over as Pakistan Test head coach, emphasised that his focus remains on building a cohesive unit ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, a key assignment in the World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.

The former Pakistan captain expressed confidence in his support staff, highlighting a collective approach to coaching.

“My team management, including Umar Gul, Asad Shafiq, Grant Luden and Abdul Saad, and I are very confident about coaching the team to success,” he said.

Pakistan are set to face Bangladesh in two Tests, with the first match scheduled to begin on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. The second Test will be played at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from May 16 to 20.

The series comes at an important stage for Pakistan, who currently sit fifth in the WTC standings with 12 points after playing two matches in the current cycle.

Sarfaraz also addressed questions regarding Babar Azam’s form, backing the star batter ahead of his return to the Test squad following Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) commitments.

“It is good to see Babar scoring runs and that too with a technical comeback. He is looking solid,” Sarfaraz said. “Once he joins us, we will assess his role in the longer format.”

Babar recently led Peshawar Zalmi to the PSL 11 final, boosting confidence ahead of the Bangladesh tour. Other players, including captain Shan Masood and fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, are also expected to join the squad after completing their PSL campaigns.

Earlier, Pakistan announced a balanced squad for the Bangladesh Test series, featuring experienced players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan and Hasan Ali alongside emerging talent.

Sarfaraz said the focus during the camp is on preparation, discipline and adapting to conditions in Bangladesh.
Despite scrutiny over his appointment, Sarfaraz maintained that results on the field will ultimately define his tenure as Pakistan Test head coach.

It is worth mentioning here that the Pakistan Test team is currently training at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance centre ahead of a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which is also a part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.
The series will begin with the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from 8 to 12 May.
The second Test is set to take place at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from 16 to 20 May.

Pakistan 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)