Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is set to take charge as the new head coach of the Pakistan Test team, with an official announcement expected soon. The position has remained vacant since October 2025, when Azhar Mahmood stepped in as interim coach during the series against South Africa.
Sarfaraz, who recently mentored the Asia Cup-winning U19 squad, is expected to begin his coaching responsibilities during Pakistan’s upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh in May. This series will be part of the ICC World Test Championship 2027 cycle, adding significant importance to his appointment.
The first Test is scheduled for May 8, followed by the second on May 16. Sarfaraz’s leadership will mark a new chapter for Pakistan cricket, especially as the team prepares for crucial fixtures in the championship.
Currently, Sarfaraz is working with the Pakistan Shaheens, who are competing against the England Lions in the UAE. His extensive playing career includes 54 Tests, where he scored over 3,000 runs with four centuries and 21 fifties. In ODIs, he accumulated 2,315 runs, while in T20Is he added 818 runs across 61 matches.
Beyond his batting record, Sarfaraz is remembered for his captaincy achievements, most notably leading Pakistan to victory in the 2017 Champions Trophy, defeating India by 180 runs in the final. His leadership produced impressive win rates: 70% in Champions Trophy, 62.5% in the 2019 World Cup, and 78.37% in T20Is.
At 38, Sarfaraz last represented Pakistan in red-ball cricket during the 2023 Perth Test against Australia. His transition into coaching is seen as a natural progression, combining his on-field experience with his passion for nurturing young talent.
With his appointment, Pakistan cricket looks forward to a new era of Test leadership, aiming to strengthen its standing in the World Test Championship under Sarfaraz’s guidance.
