NEW DELHI: The Pakistan Test squad is poised to get its youngest ever head coach with the Pakistan Cricket Board offering the role to former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.
The board is currently waiting for final confirmation from the 38 year old Sarfaraz.
Pakistan face a packed red ball calendar this year in the ICC World Test Championship, beginning with two Tests in Bangladesh in May before heading to the West Indies and England for away tours.
Pakistan’s previous Test assignment came at home against South Africa national cricket team late last year. The series ended in a 1-1 draw, with former all rounder Azhar Mahmood serving as interim head coach.
PCB Looks for Long Term Stability
According to a reliable source, Azhar’s contract concluded by mutual consent with the PCB, clearing the way for Sarfaraz to step in as the permanent head coach.
Pakistan are yet to make a serious push for qualification to the World Test Championship final across its three previous cycles.
Last year, the board appointed the experienced wicketkeeper batter as manager and mentor of the Pakistan Shaheens and Under 19 sides. He also accompanied the team during the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup held in Zimbabwe and Namibia earlier this year.
In addition, he oversaw the Shaheens and junior squads at the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament and the junior Asia Cup.
At 38, Sarfaraz would become the youngest individual to take charge as head coach of Pakistan’s Test team.
During his playing career, he featured in 54 Tests, 117 ODIs and 61 T20 Internationals for Pakistan, guiding the side to an Under 19 World Cup triumph and the memorable 2017 ICC Champions Trophy title.
He was removed as captain and subsequently dropped from the team in 2019 after Misbah-ul-Haq assumed the dual role of head coach and chief selector across formats.
(With PTI Inputs)
