Pakistan cricket could soon see a familiar face returning in a new role. Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is reportedly set to become the new Test coach of the Pakistan national team. If the appointment is confirmed, it will mark the first time Sarfaraz steps into a full-time coaching role in the red-ball setup.
The development comes after the Pakistan Cricket Board decided to move on from Azhar Mahmood, who had been handling responsibilities with the Test side until the end of 2025. The board now appears ready to begin a new chapter with Sarfaraz guiding the team in the longer format of the game.
Sarfaraz Ahmed Expected to Begin Role Soon
According to recent reports, an official announcement regarding Sarfaraz Ahmed’s appointment could arrive soon. The former wicketkeeper-batter may start his coaching journey during Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.
This series will be part of the new World Test Championship cycle that leads into the 2027 final. Because of this, the PCB wants to build a stable team environment early in the cycle and improve Pakistan’s Test performances.
Sarfaraz is not new to working with young players or guiding teams. During his playing career, he led Pakistan in all formats and played a big role in building team unity. His leadership was especially praised during major tournaments where Pakistan delivered strong performances.
PCB Looking to Strengthen the Test Setup
The Pakistan Cricket Board has been making several changes in its support staff over the past few years. Coaches have come and gone frequently since the 2019 World Cup, which has created instability around the team management.
By bringing Sarfaraz Ahmed into the coaching group, the PCB hopes to build better communication between players and the support staff. His experience as a former captain could help him understand the challenges players face on the field.
Officials believe that having someone who has already represented Pakistan at the highest level could improve the team’s dressing room environment. Sarfaraz also has strong knowledge of Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure, which can help identify talented young players.
Pakistan’s Coaching Changes Since 2019
The coaching role in Pakistan cricket has seen many changes in recent years. Several former players and international coaches have taken charge for short periods.
Here is a look at the Test coaching timeline since 2019:
- Misbah-ul-Haq – 2019 to 2021
- Saqlain Mushtaq – 2021 to 2023
- Abdul Rehman – 2023
- Grant Bradburn – 2023
- Mohammad Hafeez – 2023 to 2024
- Azhar Mahmood – 2024 to 2025
These frequent changes show how Pakistan cricket has been searching for a stable long-term direction.
Sarfaraz’s Experience Could Help Young Players
Sarfaraz Ahmed remains one of the most experienced cricketers Pakistan has produced in recent years. He captained the national side during several important tournaments and played a key role in developing young talent.
One of his biggest strengths as a leader was his ability to keep the team motivated in difficult situations. His aggressive approach and strong communication often helped players perform with confidence.
As a coach, Sarfaraz could focus on improving Pakistan’s batting consistency and team discipline in Test cricket. Pakistan has shown strong individual performances in recent years but has struggled to maintain stability across long series.
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