Sarfaraz Ahmed likely to stay on as Pakistan Test head coach

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is expected to remain Pakistan’s head coach in the Test format for the team’s upcoming tours of the West Indies and England.

The development comes after Sarfaraz oversaw his first assignment in the role during Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh last month, where the hosts completed a 2-0 series win to register their first home whitewash over Pakistan.

The future of Test captain Shan Masood, however, has yet to be settled. Sources said Masood is still strongly in contention for selection on both tours, but a final decision on the leadership issue has not been made. Despite the uncertainty, he remains under consideration for the captaincy.

Masood, a left-handed batter, has played 46 Tests and led Pakistan in 16 of them. He has captained the side in seven Test series, winning one, losing four and drawing two. He is currently placed in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s D category for captains.

Selection and leadership considerations

Sources also indicated that T20I captain Salman Ali Agha is set to tour England with Pakistan’s Test squad for the first time. The all-rounder has represented Pakistan in 25 Tests and is understood to enjoy support from influential figures within the PCB’s decision-making circle.

Masood has previous experience of touring England, having done so in 2016 and 2020. He also brings county leadership experience, having captained both Yorkshire and Derbyshire. His knowledge of English conditions and familiarity with the media environment may help Pakistan during the tour.

Even so, sources said the PCB has not yet reached a final decision on whether Masood will continue as Test captain or be replaced ahead of the series.

Upcoming Test assignments

Pakistan are scheduled to play a two-match Test series against the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago, with matches set for July 25-29 and August 2-6.

The England tour is expected to begin on August 19 at Headingley, followed by fixtures at Lord’s on August 27 and Edgbaston on September 9, though the itinerary has yet to be formally confirmed.