As the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continues shaping its backroom staff ahead of the next ICC World Test Championship cycle, one of cricket’s most respected voices, Wasim Akram, has publicly endorsed a familiar name for a vital role. The legendary left-arm pacer has thrown his weight behind former captain Younis Khan as a strong candidate to become Pakistan’s red-ball head coach.
Speaking at a recent event in Karachi, Wasim Akram called for a “fresh approach” to Pakistan’s Test setup and named Younis Khan as an ideal figure to lead the side through its upcoming red-ball journey. “Younis Khan can be a good option as a batting coach for red-ball cricket,” Akram said. “He understands the demands of Test cricket, and the new coach can help change the mindset of the younger players.”
Wasim Akram’s suggestion comes at a time of transition for Pakistan’s coaching structure. While the PCB has already brought in Mike Hesson to take over the white-ball setup, the board is still searching for a leader in the red-ball scene to replace Jason Gillespie, not counting Aqib Javed’s interim tenure.
Though the PCB has not made any official announcements regarding the Test coaching role, Wasim Akram’s remarks may spark serious consideration for Younis Khan—a player who epitomized resilience and discipline during a storied career that included over 10,000 Test runs and a triple century.
Younis, 47, is no stranger to coaching either. He previously served as Pakistan’s batting coach during the 2020 tour of England. Though his stint was short-lived due to reported differences with PCB officials, those who worked under him praised his commitment and intensity. He most recently worked with Afghanistan’s cricket team for the Champions Trophy, with his work getting rave reviews.
Given the mental and technical demands of the longest format, Wasim Akram believes a figure like Younis—with deep tactical acumen and experience in the grind of five-day cricket—can instill a much-needed sense of structure and belief in the team. “We need someone who understands the temperament needed for red-ball cricket,” Wasim Akram added. “Younis has been there, done that. He knows how to prepare a team for the long haul.”
Pakistan’s Test calendar is set to heat up after the white-ball assignments. Following the Asia Cup in September, Pakistan is scheduled to host South Africa for a two-Test series in October, marking their first matches in the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle. The series will be pivotal—not just in terms of points, but also in laying down a foundation under a new coaching regime.
Whether the PCB heeds Wasim Akram’s suggestion remains to be seen, but there’s little doubt that Younis Khan remains one of the most qualified and passionate figures available. With South Africa’s red-ball challenge looming, Pakistan may not get a better opportunity to bring him back into the fold.
