Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is set to become the new head coach of the Pakistan Test team. Sources confirmed that a formal announcement is expected soon.
The position has remained vacant since October 2025. The Pakistan Cricket Board has been reviewing options for several months. Now, Sarfaraz appears ready to step into the role ahead of a crucial Test season.
He is expected to begin his duties during Pakistan’s upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh in May.
Pakistan Test Coach Role Vacant Since 2025
The Pakistan Test head coach position has been unfilled since late 2025. During this period, Azhar Mahmood served as interim head coach for the series against South Africa.
Pakistan is scheduled to play a two-match Test series against Bangladesh national cricket team in May. The first Test will start on May 8. The second Test will begin on May 16.
The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2027 cycle. The fixtures are important for Pakistan’s long-term red-ball ambitions.
Sarfaraz’s appointment is seen as a strategic move. The board wants stability before entering the new World Test Championship phase.
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Coaching and Playing Experience
Sarfaraz Ahmed recently worked as a mentor for Pakistan’s Asia Cup-winning Under-19 team. He is currently coaching Pakistan Shaheens in a series against the England Lions in the UAE.
Sarfaraz brings vast international experience. He played 54 Test matches for Pakistan. He scored 3,031 runs, including four centuries and 21 fifties.
In One Day Internationals, he featured in 117 matches. He scored 2,315 runs with two centuries and 11 half-centuries. In T20 Internationals, he played 61 matches and scored 818 runs.
His leadership record is impressive. He guided Pakistan to victory in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. Pakistan defeated India by 180 runs in the final. The team achieved a 70 percent win rate under his ODI captaincy.
During the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Pakistan won five out of nine matches under his leadership. In T20Is, he maintained a 78.37 percent win rate, winning 29 of 37 matches.
Focus on Red-Ball Revival
Sarfaraz last played a Test match for Pakistan in 2023 against Australia in Perth. Since then, he has focused on mentoring and domestic cricket.
His appointment signals a focus on discipline and tactical awareness in red-ball cricket. Analysts believe his wicketkeeping background will help improve fielding standards.
Pakistan aims to rebuild its Test squad with consistency and youth development. The Bangladesh series will be Sarfaraz’s first challenge if officially confirmed.
An official statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board is expected shortly. Fans are optimistic that Sarfaraz’s leadership qualities will strengthen Pakistan’s Test campaign.
