Pakistan cricket team is all set to name former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as the new Test coach, in a fresh twist to the ongoing musical chairs when it comes to the support staff. The move comes after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) parted ways with Azhar Mahmood, who was at the helm of affairs until December 2025. Should the appointment be made official, it will mark Sarfaraz’s maiden entry into the team management as a full-time coach in the red-ball setup.
Sarfaraz Ahmed to be new Pakistan coach?
As per Pakistan Observer, the announcement of the appointment of Sarfaraz is expected to be made soon. He is expected to commence his duties in Pakistan’s series against Bangladesh which is scheduled to take place in May as a part of the 2027 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Ahmed has been roped in as a mentor in the past by the PCB and his new role will see him working in close quarters with the Pakistan Test team in a bid to improve the whole ecosystem and their performance.
Explaining the rationale behind releasing the former Pakistan coach early, the PCB said that it would be best for the board to start planning ahead for a new coach before the next Test series. The report further states that the PCB has initiated the search for a new head coach and might even overhaul the support staff before the next Test assignment.
“Since Azhar’s contract ends in March and Pakistan’s Test assignments begin from March 2026, it would be best for the Board to start planning ahead for a new head coach,” a source close to the PCB said.
Pakistan Coaches after 2019 World cup
| Coaches | Duration |
| Misbah-ul-Haq | 2019–2021 |
| Saqlain Mushtaq | 2021–2023 |
| Abdul Rehman | 2023 |
| Grant Bradburn | 2023 |
| Mohammad Hafeez | 2023–2024 |
| Azhar Mahmood | 2024 |
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