The Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to formally appoint former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as the new head coach of the Pakistan men’s Test team, according to reports in Pakistani media. The announcement is likely in the coming days, with Sarfaraz set to take charge ahead of the ICC World Test Championship series against Bangladesh in May. He will fill the vacancy that has remained since Azhar Mahmood stepped down from the interim role last year. Pakistan have been without a permanent red-ball head coach since Jason Gillespie’s exit in 2025. Sarfaraz’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture in the World Test Championship cycle, with Pakistan currently positioned fifth in the standings after one win, one defeat and a drawn home series against South Africa. Return to Red-Ball Leadership Sarfaraz represented Pakistan in 54 Tests, 117 ODIs and 61 T20Is between 2007 and 2023. He captained the national side across formats and led Pakistan to victory in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India. In Test cricket, he captained Pakistan in 13 matches, registering four wins, including a notable victory over England at Lord’s in 2018. His last Test appearance came against Australia in Perth in 2023. Since November 2025, Sarfaraz has been involved in coaching assignments with the Pakistan Shaheens and the Under-19 setup. He guided the U-19 side to an Asia Cup title, defeating India in the final. The PCB is understood to have considered his recent developmental work while evaluating long-term red-ball leadership options. Read also: Victim of Super 8 disqualification? PCB selection panel member quits right after Pakistan's exit from '26 T20 WC Coaching Structure Under Review Pakistan’s Test campaign in the current World Test Championship began last October under Azhar Mahmood, resulting in a drawn series against South Africa at home. The team has yet to reach a WTC final since the competition’s inception in 2019. Meanwhile, Mike Hesson continues as white-ball head coach, although his position remains under scrutiny following Pakistan’s campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026. Sarfaraz’s anticipated elevation represents the latest administrative adjustment in Pakistan cricket, with the board seeking continuity in the longer format through a former captain familiar with the demands of Test competition.