Pakistan cricket is in turmoil following a dismal T20 World Cup exit, prompting sweeping changes across formats. The ODI squad against Bangladesh dropped stars like Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Naseem Shah, signaling a bold reset. Now, whispers of appointing former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as Test head coach are gaining traction.
Reports indicate the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is impressed with Sarfaraz’s work with the junior side and sees him ready to lead the Test team. Sources told Telecom Asia Sport that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has personally discussed the role with Sarfaraz, who agreed to partner with captain Shan Masood. Their friendship could be key to climbing from ninth in the World Test Championship standings.
Upcoming fixtures include two Tests in West Indies in July and three in England in August, putting pressure on the coaching decision. Yet, cricket legend Shahid Afridi has thrown a curveball, dismissing Sarfaraz as unfit for the job. ‘With over 10,000 Test runs and a reputation as a class act in the longest format, Younis Khan is the man for Pakistan’s Test team,’ Afridi told local media.
The Test coaching position has been vacant since December last year when Azhar Mahmood ended his contract early, ahead of its March 2026 expiry. Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to the 2017 Champions Trophy triumph, has played 54 Tests himself. But Afridi’s endorsement of Younis, a batting maestro, underscores the debate raging in Pakistani cricket circles as the board weighs experience against familiarity.