Sarfaraz Ahmed Set to Take Over as Pakistan Test Head Coach

The wait around Pakistan’s red ball leadership appears close to ending.

Sources within the board indicate that Sarfaraz Ahmed will soon be confirmed as the Pakistan Test head coach. A role that has remained vacant since October last year. The formal announcement is expected shortly.

If confirmed, Sarfaraz will start work immediately. His current assignment would be Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh in May. The two matches are part of the new ICC World Test Championship cycle, raising the stakes for the team’s preparation.

For months, the coaching seat stayed unsettled. Azhar Mahmood handled duties as interim Pakistan Test head coach during the recent tour against South Africa. That arrangement was always temporary while the board weighed long term options.

Sarfaraz recently worked with Pakistan’s youth setup as mentor of the Under-19 team that won the Asia Cup. His involvement with the side strengthened his case for the role.

A familiar leader returns to the dressing room

The former captain knows the national environment inside out. Sarfaraz Ahmed represented Pakistan in 54 Tests and scored 3,031 runs. He had four centuries along the way.

His leadership record still stands out. Under him, Pakistan lifted the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. The team was full of youngsters at that time, but Sarafaz managed to play and secure a commanding final win over India. The side also produced strong results in white ball cricket during his tenure.

Now the responsibility may shift from leading on the field to shaping Pakistan’s red ball future from the dugout.

And with the Bangladesh Tests approaching fast, the new chapter could begin sooner than many expected.