Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is poised to be appointed as the new head coach of the Pakistan men’s Test cricket team, ending a months-long vacancy in the role, sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have told media outlets.
The appointment is expected to be formally announced shortly, with Sarfaraz scheduled to assume coaching responsibilities ahead of Pakistan’s two-match Test series against the Bangladesh national cricket team in May, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2027 cycle.
The head coach position has been unfilled since October 2025 after the departure of the previous coach. During Pakistan’s recent home series against South Africa, Azhar Mahmood served in an interim capacity.
Pakistan’s Test schedule begins with the first Test on May 8, followed by the second Test on May 16. The new appointment aims to provide continuity and strategic direction for the team’s red-ball campaign.
Sarfaraz, 38, enjoyed a distinguished international playing career, representing Pakistan in 54 Tests and scoring over 3,000 runs, including four centuries and 21 half-centuries. He also led Pakistan to victory in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, a hallmark achievement in his captaincy tenure.
In recent years, Sarfaraz has transitioned into coaching and mentoring roles, notably serving as mentor of Pakistan’s Asia Cup-winning Under-19 team, and has been involved in domestic and developmental cricket structures under PCB directives.
The board’s decision reflects continued restructuring within Pakistan cricket’s coaching and support staff as it seeks to stabilize performance across formats ahead of key international commitments.