Sarfaraz Ahmed Positioned to Become Pakistan's Test Team Head Coach: Latest Insights
Synopsis
In a significant shift within Pakistan's cricket coaching landscape, former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is reportedly set to take on the head coach role for the Test team ahead of the upcoming two-Test series in Bangladesh this May, amidst ongoing discussions with PCB leadership.
Key Takeaways
Sarfaraz Ahmed is likely to become the new head coach for Pakistan's Test team.
The head coach position has been vacant since December 2022.
There are ongoing discussions between Sarfaraz and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi .
Pakistan's performance in the World Test Championship has been underwhelming.
Former cricketer Shahid Afridi advocates for Younis Khan as a suitable coaching candidate.
New Delhi, March 4 (NationPress) The ongoing transitions in Pakistan's cricket coaching staff are set to continue, as former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is reportedly poised to fill the vacant role of head coach for the upcoming two-Test series in Bangladesh this May, according to a recent news report.
This position has been unoccupied since December of last year, when Azhar Mahmood concluded his contract, which was scheduled to last until March 2026. However, with no Test matches scheduled until March-April of next year due to an agreement with the PCB, Sarfaraz Ahmed is now positioned to assume the role, as stated by Telecom Asia Sport.
“The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Mohsin Naqvi, has had discussions with Sarfaraz about taking on the head coaching responsibilities for the Test team, and he has agreed to collaborate with Shan Masood as the captain, given their strong friendship and mutual goal of enhancing Pakistan's ninth-place standing from the last World Test Championship,” sources informed Telecom Asia Sport.
Pakistan's performance in the three World Test Championship cycles has varied significantly, finishing in fifth, seventh, and ninth places. Another potential candidate, Misbah-ul Haq, previously served as the all-format head coach during 2019-20 before being dismissed by the former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja.
Despite the appointment of Australian coach Jason Gillespie for a two-year stint starting in 2024, he departed following a disagreement with the PCB in December. Pakistan's cricket schedule also includes two Tests in the West Indies in July, followed by three Tests in England in August.
Although Sarfaraz lacks direct coaching experience, he has recently taken on the role of mentor for both the Pakistan Under-19 team and the Pakistan Shaheens.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed support for Younis Khan as a suitable candidate for the Test coach position, highlighting his remarkable record with over 10,000 Test runs and his esteemed reputation in the longer format of the game. “I believe Younis should be appointed as the Test team coach,” Afridi stated to local media.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight the evolving dynamics within Pakistan's cricket leadership. The potential appointment of Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach reflects a strategic move by the PCB to leverage his experience as a former captain to potentially uplift the team's performance in international cricket.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is expected to be the new head coach of Pakistan's Test team?
Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is set to be appointed as the head coach for the upcoming Test series in Bangladesh.
Why was the head coach position vacant?
The position has been vacant since December when Azhar Mahmood's contract ended, and no Test matches were scheduled until next year.
What are Sarfaraz Ahmed's qualifications for the coaching role?
While Sarfaraz lacks direct coaching experience, he has recently served as a mentor for Pakistan Under-19 and Pakistan Shaheens.
What has Shahid Afridi said about the coaching position?
Shahid Afridi believes that Younis Khan should be appointed as the Test team coach due to his impressive record and experience.
What is Pakistan's recent performance in the World Test Championship?
Pakistan has finished fifth, seventh, and ninth in the three World Test Championship cycles.
