Pakistan Turn To Sarfaraz Ahmed For Test Head Coach Role

The Pakistan national cricket team continue their ongoing shuffle in the head coach role, with former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed set to take charge of the Test side for the upcoming two-match series against the Bangladesh national cricket team in May, sources told primetopiczone.com

The post has remained vacant since December last year after Azhar Mahmood ended his contract by mutual agreement. The deal was originally set to run until March 2026, but with no Tests scheduled until March or April next year, both sides agreed to part ways.

PCB Chairman Holds Key Talks With Sarfaraz

Sources say Sarfaraz has already been approached by the Pakistan Cricket Board leadership to step into the role.

Sarfaraz has been spoken to by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi to take over as head coach of the Test team and he has agreed to work with Shan Masood as captain, as the two are good friends and can help Pakistan improve their ninth place in the last World Test Championship.

Pakistan’s red ball performances have declined sharply in recent years, with finishes of fifth, seventh and ninth across the three World Test Championship cycles.

A Role Marked By Instability

The Test coaching position has seen constant change. Misbah-ul-Haq previously served as all format head coach in 2019 and 2020 before being removed by then PCB chairman Ramiz Raja.

More recently, former Australia pacer Jason Gillespie was appointed Test coach in 2024 on a two-year contract but left the role in December that year following differences with the PCB.

Tough Test Schedule Awaits Pakistan

Pakistan’s Test commitments continue beyond the Bangladesh series. The team is scheduled to play two Tests against the West Indies cricket team in July, followed by a challenging three match series in England in August.

Sarfaraz does not have formal coaching experience but has remained closely involved with the game. He was recently appointed mentor for Pakistan Under 19 and Pakistan Shaheens, keeping him connected with the emerging talent pool.

Afridi Pushes For Younis Khan As Test Coach

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi believes the Test side should be led by a proven red ball great instead.

With over 10k Test runs and a stature as a high-class batter of the longer format, I think Younis Khan should be given the Test team.

said Afridi

With the PCB weighing familiarity against experience, the decision on Pakistan’s next Test head coach could shape the direction of their red ball future.