United News of Bangladesh

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is expected to be appointed as the new head coach of the Pakistan Test team, Pakistani media reported on Wednesday. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to make an official announcement in the coming days. Sarfaraz is anticipated to begin his coaching tenure during Pakistan’s upcoming two-match Test series in Bangladesh, scheduled to start in May. Babar dropped as Pakistan names youthful squad for Bangladesh tour The head coach position has been vacant since the conclusion of Azhar Mahmood’s interim stint. Mahmood, who was originally contracted until March 2026, stepped down by mutual agreement following a 1-1 home series draw against South Africa. With no Test matches scheduled for the remainder of the year, the PCB and Mahmood opted to end the arrangement early. Sarfaraz, 38, brings extensive international experience to the role. A veteran wicketkeeper-batter, he has played 54 Test matches for Pakistan, scoring 3,031 runs at an average of 37.41, including four centuries. His leadership credentials include captaining Pakistan across all three formats, most notably leading the side to the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy title. The appointment comes as Pakistan prepares for the next cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. The tour of Bangladesh will feature two Test matches, with the first starting on May 8 and the second on May 16.