Younis Khan likely to take over as Pakistan Test head coach

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan is expected to replace Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach of the national Test side as the Pakistan Cricket Board considers wider changes following the team’s recent results in the format.

According to information attributed to insiders, the PCB is weighing major roles for two former internationals, Younis Khan and Mohammad Hafeez, after Pakistan’s back-to-back series whitewash defeats against Bangladesh in Test cricket. Sarfaraz, who was appointed Test head coach in April, oversaw his first assignment in that role during Pakistan’s two-match away series against Bangladesh in the World Test Championship.

Pakistan lost that series 2-0, and the defeat was followed by reports that changes could also be made to the team leadership. Shan Masood, the experienced left-handed opener who currently leads the Test side, has been reported as a possible candidate to lose the captaincy, with all-rounder Salman Ali Agha mentioned as a likely replacement.

Younis set for broader role

Alongside his expected appointment as Test head coach, Younis is also likely to be added to the selection committee for the national men’s team. The former batter previously captained Pakistan to their first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title in 2009.

Sarfaraz, meanwhile, is expected to continue working with Pakistan Shaheens even if he is removed from the Test coaching role. He had earlier led Pakistan to the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy title in 2017 before taking up his coaching assignment this year.

Hafeez also in line for PCB position

Mohammad Hafeez is also likely to be given a dual responsibility under the proposed reshuffle. He is expected to be appointed Director of International Cricket, a post that has remained vacant since the PCB suspended Usman Wahla in September last year.

Hafeez is also set to be included in the men’s selection committee, according to the same information. The current selection panel comprises Aqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq and Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Hafeez represented Pakistan in 55 Tests, 218 One-day Internationals and 119 T20 Internationals. If the proposed changes are finalised, both he and Younis would assume expanded roles in the national setup as the board seeks to address Pakistan’s struggles in Test cricket.