LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is expected to be appointed head coach of the national Test team, with an official announcement likely in the coming days.
Sarfaraz — who recently served as mentor for Pakistan’s Under-19 side that won the Asia Cup — is expected to take charge ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh in May.
The position has remained vacant since October 2025. Former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood had been performing the role on an interim basis during Pakistan’s most recent Test series against South Africa.
Pakistan are scheduled to host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series in May as part of the ICC World Test Championship 2027 cycle. The first Test is set to begin on May 8, while the second match will start on May 16.
Sarfaraz is currently working with Pakistan Shaheens, who are playing a T20 and one-day series against England Lions in the United Arab Emirates.
International career
The wicketkeeper-batter enjoyed a long international career, representing Pakistan in 54 Tests, scoring 3,031 runs that included four centuries and 21 half-centuries.
In 117 One-Day Internationals, he accumulated 2,315 runs with two centuries and 11 fifties, while in T20 Internationals he scored 818 runs in 61 appearances, including three half-centuries.
Sarfaraz also had a notable tenure as captain. Under his leadership, Pakistan lifted the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy after defeating India by 180 runs in the final.
He recorded a win percentage of around 70% as captain and guided Pakistan to five victories in nine matches at the 2019 Cricket World Cup, achieving a 62.5% success rate.
In T20 Internationals, Sarfaraz captained Pakistan in 37 matches and won 29 of them, maintaining a win rate of 78.37%.
The 38-year-old last played Test cricket for Pakistan during the 2023 series against Australia in Perth.
