Sarfaraz Ahmed takes charge as Pakistan test team head coach

LAHORE: Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is set to become the new head coach of Pakistan’s Test team, taking charge ahead of the May Test series against Bangladesh.

Sources confirmed on Wednesday that Sarfaraz who previously mentored the Asia Cup-winning U19 team will officially begin his coaching duties during Pakistan’s upcoming two-match Test series in May. The formal announcement is expected shortly.

The position of Pakistan Test team head coach had remained vacant since October 2025, with Azhar Mahmood serving as interim head coach during the recent series against South Africa.

The first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh will commence on May 8, followed by the second Test starting on May 16. These matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2027 cycle.

Currently, Sarfaraz is working with Pakistan Shaheens, who are competing against the England Lions in the UAE in a T20 and one-day series.

Sarfaraz has had an extensive international career:

• Tests: 54 matches, 3,031 runs, 4 centuries, 21 fifties
• ODIs: 117 matches, 2,315 runs, 2 centuries, 11 fifties
• T20Is: 61 matches, 818 runs, 3 fifties

He also boasts an impressive captaincy record:

• 2017 Champions Trophy winner, defeating India in the final by 180 runs with a 70% win rate
• 2019 Cricket World Cup: 62.5% win rate, 5 wins out of 9 matches
• T20Is: 78.37% win rate, 29 wins out of 37 matches

The 38-year-old last represented Pakistan in red-ball cricket during a Test against Australia in Perth in 2023.