Shan Masood backs Babar Azam ahead of Test series in Dhaka

DHAKA: Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has praised star batter Babar Azam, calling him the team’s best player and stating that his runs bring confidence to the side.

Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka, Shan Masood said he hopes Babar Azam continues his strong form from the Pakistan Super League into the upcoming Test series.

He added that it is a positive sign that the team’s coaches are former players who have shared dressing rooms with the current squad, helping improve understanding and preparation.

The captain acknowledged the challenge of playing against Bangladesh national cricket team in home conditions, saying both teams have their own strengths and Pakistan is not taking any opposition lightly.

Shan Masood said the squad is well-balanced and final selection for the playing XI will depend on performance over the next 10 days, along with pitch assessment before the match.

He noted that early indications suggest the pitch may offer more assistance to fast bowlers, with visible grass still present on the surface.

The captain also praised Bangladesh’s strong bowling attack and expressed hope that Pakistan’s batters will deliver solid performances.

He further said that changes in Pakistan’s top order have been due to injuries, while emphasizing that the middle order plays a key role in any team’s success.

Shan Masood concluded that in Test cricket the message is always clear: a team cannot win without taking 20 wickets, adding that he has full confidence in Pakistan’s bowling unit.

Earlier, the trophy for the upcoming Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh national cricket team was officially unveiled on Wednesday in Dhaka.

The ceremony took place at Dhaka Stadium, where Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood and Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto jointly revealed the trophy.

The first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled to begin tomorrow at Mirpur, Dhaka, while the second Test will be played from May 16 in Sylhet.

Pakistan’s Test squad, led by Shan Masood, includes players such as Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Hassan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

In addition, Azan Awais and Imad Butt are also part of the squad for the tour.

Former Pakistan Test captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed as head coach for the Bangladesh tour, while former cricketers Asad Shafiq and Umar Gul will serve as batting and bowling coaches respectively.