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Sarfaraz Ahmed Set to Become Pakistan Test Coach: Report

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is reportedly in line to become the head coach of the national Test team for their upcoming series in Bangladesh. The position has been vacant since December when Azhar Mahmood's contract was terminated early. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly approached Sarfaraz, who has agreed to work alongside captain Shan Masood. The move comes as Pakistan looks to improve its standing after finishing last in the most recent World Test Championship cycle.

Key Points: Sarfaraz Ahmed to Coach Pakistan Test Team: Report

  • Sarfaraz Ahmed set for Test coach role
  • Post vacant since Azhar Mahmood's exit
  • PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi involved in talks
  • Shan Masood to remain captain
  • Pakistan seeks to improve WTC ranking
2 min read

Pakistan set to appoint Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach for Test team: Report

Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is reportedly set to be appointed head coach of Pakistan's Test team for the upcoming series in Bangladesh.

"Sarfaraz has been spoken to by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi to take over as head coach of the Test team - Telecom Asia Sport sources"

New Delhi, March 4

Pakistan's musical chair with the head coach continues as former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is well set to take over the vacant post for the two-Test series in Bangladesh in May, a news report claimed on Wednesday.

The post was vacant since December last year when Azhar Mahmood ended his contract -due to run until March 2026 - but with no Tests in the calendar until March-April next year, after an agreement with PCB. Now Sarfaraz Ahmed is looking set to take over the mantle, Telecom Asia Sport said in a report.

"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," sources told Telecom Asia Sport.

Pakistan finished fifth, seventh and ninth and last in the three World Test Championship cycles. Misbah-ul Haq was the other option who served as all-format head coach in 2019-20 before being removed by the then PCB chairman Ramiz Raja.

Pakistan also has Australian Jason Gillespie as Test coach in 2024 for a two-year stint, but the former pacer left after falling out with the PCB in December that year. Pakistan also have to play two Tests in the West Indies in July, followed by three in England in August.

Sarfaraz has no experience in coaching, but he was recently appointed mentor for Pakistan Under-19 and Pakistan Shaheens.

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi feels Younis Khan should be appointed as Test coach. "With over 10,000 Test runs and a stature as high class batter in the longer format, I think Younis should be given the Test team," Afridi told local media.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Shreya B
Interesting move. Sarfaraz was a gritty captain who won the Champions Trophy. Maybe PCB is betting on his leadership and understanding of modern players rather than technical coaching? The friendship with Shan Masood could help team harmony, which Pakistan often lacks. But Test cricket is a different beast altogether. 🤔
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Aman W
As an Indian cricket fan, I just want a strong Pakistani team. A weak neighbour doesn't make for a great rivalry! The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is special because both teams are strong. This constant chopping and changing of coaches in PCB is hurting them. They have so much talent but no stability. Hope Sarfaraz can bring some.
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Priyanka N
Shahid Afridi is spot on. Younis Khan is a Test great with a proven mindset for the long format. Sarfaraz is more of a white-ball legend. Coaching requires different skills. PCB seems to be making decisions based on friendships (Sarfaraz & Shan Masood) rather than merit. Not a recipe for climbing from 9th in the WTC!
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David E
Watching from the UK, the PCB's management is baffling. They had Jason Gillespie, a highly respected coach with a great record, and managed to fall out with him in less than a year. Now this. It's hard to see how this helps Pakistan's young Test players develop. The focus seems very short-term.
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Kavya N
Maybe they see something we don't? His recent mentoring roles with U-19 and Shaheens might have gone well internally. But going straight to senior Test coach is a massive jump

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