Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is expected to be formally appointed as the new head coach of Pakistan’s men’s Test cricket team, according to reports in Pakistani media. The announcement is likely to be made official in the coming days, ending a prolonged phase of uncertainty around the red-ball coaching role.
Sarfaraz is set to fill the vacancy that has remained since Azhar Mahmood stepped down from the interim position last year. His appointment would mark a significant transition for the Test side at a crucial juncture in the international calendar.
New role ahead of Bangladesh series
Sarfaraz is expected to take charge of the team for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series against Bangladesh in May. The series assumes added importance as Pakistan seek to improve their standing in the current WTC cycle.
Pakistan began their Test campaign last October under Mahmood’s interim leadership, drawing a home series against South Africa. With one win and one defeat so far in the ongoing cycle, the team is currently placed fifth in the WTC standings.
The side has never reached the WTC final since the tournament’s inception in 2019, making the upcoming fixtures critical to their ambitions of securing a place in the summit clash.
Sarfaraz’s playing career and leadership record
Sarfaraz, 38, enjoyed a distinguished international career between 2007 and 2023. He represented Pakistan in 54 Tests, 117 One Day Internationals and 61 T20 Internationals, establishing himself as a dependable wicketkeeper-batter and a combative leader.
He is best remembered for captaining Pakistan to a memorable triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy, where they defeated India in the final in 2017. The victory remains one of Pakistan’s most celebrated white-ball achievements in recent years.
In the red-ball format, Sarfaraz led the team in 13 of the 54 Tests he played, securing four victories. Among those was a notable win against England at Lord’s in 2018, a result widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest overseas Test performances in the past decade.
His most recent Test appearance came against Australia in Perth in 2023, after which he gradually transitioned into mentoring and coaching roles within the domestic and junior setups.
Coaching journey with Shaheens and U-19 team
Sarfaraz began working with the Pakistan Shaheens and the Under-19 setup in November 2025. His stint with the junior side yielded immediate success, as he guided Pakistan to victory in the Under-19 Asia Cup, defeating India in the final.
The triumph enhanced his credentials as a potential long-term coaching option and demonstrated his ability to work with emerging talent — a quality that could prove vital for Pakistan’s Test side, which is in a phase of gradual transition.
Cricket analysts in Pakistan have noted that Sarfaraz’s deep understanding of the domestic structure and dressing room dynamics could help stabilise a team that has witnessed frequent administrative and coaching changes over the past few years.
A period of transition in Pakistan cricket
Pakistan cricket has undergone significant reshuffling in coaching and management roles in recent seasons. The Test side has been without a permanent head coach since Jason Gillespie parted ways with the board in 2025. Meanwhile, Mike Hesson currently oversees the white-ball teams, though his position has reportedly come under scrutiny following Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026.
The frequent changes have drawn criticism from former players and experts, who have called for greater stability and a clear long-term roadmap.
Sarfaraz’s anticipated appointment is being viewed as an attempt to restore continuity, particularly in the Test arena. His experience as a former captain and his recent exposure to coaching at the developmental level are seen as factors that could bridge the gap between senior and junior ranks.
Looking ahead
If confirmed, Sarfaraz will assume charge at a time when Pakistan’s red-ball fortunes require consolidation. With challenging overseas tours and key home series lined up in the current WTC cycle, consistent performances will be essential to keep qualification hopes alive.
For Sarfaraz, the role offers an opportunity to shape the next phase of Pakistan Test cricket and to translate his leadership experience into strategic direction from the sidelines.
The coming weeks are expected to bring formal clarity, but indications suggest that Pakistan are set to entrust one of their most recognisable modern-era captains with the responsibility of guiding their Test future.
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