The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially chosen Sarfaraz Ahmed, the former national team captain, to take over as the head coach of the Pakistan Test cricket team. This significant decision was announced on Wednesday, filling a crucial vacancy that had remained open since October 2025, following the exit of Azhar Mahmood from the coaching role. Sarfaraz’s appointment marks a new chapter for Pakistan’s red-ball cricket as the team prepares for upcoming international challenges.
Before this elevation, Sarfaraz Ahmed demonstrated his coaching capabilities by leading the Pakistan Under-19 squad to a series of commendable performances. His success at the junior level played a pivotal role in convincing the PCB of his suitability for the senior Test team’s head coach position. The board’s confidence in Sarfaraz is seen as a strategic move to inject fresh energy and tactical acumen into the Test side, which is gearing up for the next cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.
Looking ahead, Sarfaraz is expected to officially assume his coaching responsibilities starting with the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh scheduled for May. This series will not only serve as his debut as the head coach of the senior Test team but also as a critical phase to lay down his vision and strategies for Pakistan’s campaign in the prestigious World Test Championship. His leadership will be closely watched by cricket enthusiasts and analysts alike, eager to see how he shapes the team’s future.
Meanwhile, reflecting on the broader context of Pakistan cricket’s recent struggles, former fast bowler Mohammad Amir has openly expressed his views on the impact of leadership changes within the team. In a recent interview, Amir pointed to the removal of Mickey Arthur as head coach and Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain as the starting point of a decline in Pakistan cricket’s fortunes. He described that period as a “dark moment” for the sport in the country, suggesting that those decisions negatively affected team morale and performance.
Amir further elaborated that he had predicted the downturn in Pakistan cricket following those leadership shifts, emphasizing that the team’s trajectory has continued downward since then. He even challenged his critics by stating that if Pakistan cricket were to improve significantly from that point, he would accept responsibility. Unfortunately, Amir, the decline has persisted, highlighting ongoing issues within the team’s management and structure.
In addition to his critique of past leadership changes, Amir also voiced concerns about how the PCB has managed the current captaincy under Babar Azam. He implied that the board’s handling of leadership roles has lacked consistency and clarity, which may be contributing to the team’s challenges on the international stage. These comments add to the ongoing debate about the direction of Pakistan cricket and the importance of stable, effective leadership.
