Islamabad, April 15: Despite disappointing results, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) intends to keep Shan Masood as the captain of the Test team. Reports suggest that former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is expected to be appointed as the head coach for the red-ball format.
This decision comes as Pakistan prepares to embark on a new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. The team is set to play two Test matches against Bangladesh from May 8 to May 20.
According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, the PCB aims to maintain stability in the longer format, even amidst criticism of Masood’s captaincy and batting form, especially after Pakistan finished at the bottom of the previous World Test Championship cycle.
Under Masood’s leadership, the team has faced tough challenges abroad, including a 0-3 defeat in Australia and a 0-2 series loss in South Africa. However, a 2-1 series victory at home against England has been a positive outcome, while a 1-1 draw against the West Indies highlighted the team’s inconsistency.
In a significant move, Sarfaraz is likely to replace Azhar Mahmood as the head coach for the red-ball format. This step is believed to ensure better coordination between the captain and the team management, given the strong understanding between Masood and Sarfaraz.
The report also indicated that the proposal to appoint Mike Hesson as the head coach for all formats was rejected, as both the PCB’s Board of Governors and the selection committee opposed it.
Pakistan is set to play three Test series in the current WTC cycle, facing Bangladesh, the West Indies, and England. The announcement of the team for the Bangladesh tour is expected soon, with young opener Azaan Awais being a strong contender for selection following his impressive domestic performances.
Meanwhile, a red-ball training camp is underway in Lahore at the National Cricket Academy, where Sarfaraz and the academy coaches are working to rebuild Pakistan’s Test team.
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