ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who called time on his international career on Sunday, is now set to begin a new chapter in Pakistan cricket, this time in a coaching capacity with the national team.
With Pakistan scheduled to tour Bangladesh for a two-match Test series following the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Sarfaraz has emerged as a strong contender for the head coach role for the away assignment in the World Test Championship, starting in the second week of May.
Sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suggest that Sarfaraz’s experience, leadership qualities and deep understanding of the game have made him a preferred choice for the role as Pakistan prepare for an important Test assignment on foreign soil.
His association with the national team could extend even further. If the PCB decides to part ways with head coach Mike Hesson after reviewing his performance, Sarfaraz could also emerge as a strong candidate to take over responsibilities in the white-ball formats.
However, it may still be premature to predict Hesson’s future with the national team. Indications are that the PCB will conduct a formal review of his performance next month. “The PCB will review Hesson’s performance as head coach at the completion of his one-year tenure. Since he was appointed just after the PSL 2025, his performance will be assessed accordingly and only then a decision will be taken regarding his future,” a source within the Board said when contacted.
The source added that several decisions taken by Hesson during his tenure, particularly during the T20 World Cup, have raised questions within the board. “His handling of the team affairs during the tournament was not considered ideal. The selection of playing XIs for different matches, decisions at the toss regarding batting or bowling first and, above all, the issue of players’ fitness have raised concerns,” the source maintained.
“These matters will be discussed in detail with him once the ODI series against Bangladesh concludes before any decision about his future is finalised.” Should the PCB decide in the coming months to make changes in the coaching setup, Sarfaraz could well be entrusted with additional responsibilities, including a possible role with the national white-ball team.
“That will depend on the outcome of the review. First we will have to see how the PCB evaluates Hesson’s performance and what decision emerges from the one-year review,” the source concluded.
