Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is expected to be appointed the new head coach of the national Test side, with sources saying an official announcement is likely in the coming days.
The role has remained unfilled since October 2025, after which Azhar Mahmood handled duties as interim head coach during Pakistan’s recent Test assignment against South Africa.
Sources indicate Sarfaraz is set to begin his stint with Pakistan’s upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh in May. The fixtures are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2027 cycle, adding extra weight to the coaching change as Pakistan look to settle their long-term red-ball setup.
The first Test against Bangladesh is scheduled to start on May 8, followed by the second match from May 16.
Sarfaraz has been involved in the system in recent months and was also associated as a mentor with Pakistan’s under-19 side that won the Asia Cup. He is currently working with Pakistan Shaheens, who are playing England Lions in the UAE in a T20 and one-day series.
As a player, the wicketkeeper-batter featured in 54 Tests and scored 3,031 runs, including four centuries and 21 fifties. He also played 117 ODIs, scoring 2,315 runs with two centuries and 11 fifties, while in 61 T20Is he made 818 runs with three half-centuries.
Sarfaraz is also widely remembered for his leadership record, most notably captaining Pakistan to the 2017 Champions Trophy title. The 38-year-old last appeared for Pakistan in Test cricket in 2023, playing against Australia in Perth.
