Sarfaraz unfazed by criticism before Bangladesh Tests

KARACHI: Pakistan Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said on Wednesday that criticism over his appointment would not divert his attention as he prepares the national side for its upcoming ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 matches against Bangladesh.

Speaking during a training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, Sarfaraz acknowledged the discussion around his move from player to head coach but said he remained focused on the task ahead.

"Former cricketers and my ex-colleagues have their own opinions", he said, adding "I am very positive about making the most of this new opportunity".

The former Pakistan captain said his immediate priority was to help build a settled and united side before the two-match Test series in Bangladesh, which forms part of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. He also expressed confidence in the backroom staff working with him.

"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 due to play two Tests against Bangladesh. The first match is scheduled at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from May 8 to 12, while the second will be held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from May 16 to 20.

The series comes at an important point for Pakistan, who are fifth in the World Test Championship standings with 12 points after two matches in the current cycle.

Sarfaraz also spoke about Babar Azam’s form and backed the batter ahead of his return to the Test setup after his Pakistan Super League commitments.

"It is good to see Babar scoring runs and that too with a technical comeback. He is looking solid", Sarfaraz said.

Babar recently captained Peshawar Zalmi to the PSL 11 final, which has lifted confidence before the Bangladesh tour. Captain Shan Masood and fast bowler Khurram Shahzad are also expected to link up with the squad after finishing their PSL campaigns.

Pakistan had earlier named a squad for the Bangladesh Test series that combines senior players and newer faces. The selected players are 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.

Sarfaraz said the camp is centred on preparation, discipline and adjusting to conditions in Bangladesh. He maintained that his time as Pakistan Test head coach would ultimately be judged by the team’s performances on the field.

Team management and preparation

The Pakistan Test squad is currently training at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre ahead of the Bangladesh series. The team management includes Naveed Akram Cheema as manager, Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach, Asad Shafiq as batting coach, Umar Gul as bowling coach, Abdul Saad as fielding coach, Cliffe Deacon as physiotherapist, Grant Luden as strength and conditioning coach, Usman Hashmi as analyst, Syed Naeem Ahmad as media manager, Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari as security manager, Dr Wajid Ali Rafai as team doctor and Muhammad Ehsan as masseur.

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