On 15 March 2026, Sarfaraz Ahmed announced his retirement from international cricket. Just over one month later, on 18 April 2026, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed him as the head coach of the Test team for the Bangladesh series.
The appointment came only one month and three days after his retirement, a development that drew attention in cricketing circles. However, Sarfaraz had already been associated with Pakistan’s cricket structure prior to his retirement, including involvement with the national side and a role within the selection framework.
The 38-year-old former wicketkeeper-batsman’s elevation to the head coach position has been met with criticism from several former Pakistan cricketers. Despite this, he has now taken charge of the Test squad and travelled with the team to Bangladesh. Pakistan players arrived in Dhaka on Sunday morning ahead of the two-match Test series, with Sarfaraz accompanying them.
The PCB’s coaching structure has undergone frequent changes in recent years. Prior to Sarfaraz’s appointment, the Test head coach position had remained vacant for several months. Former cricketer Azhar Mahmood served as interim coach during the home series against South Africa in October last year. His tenure was not extended. Before him, another former international player, Aaqib Javed, held the role. Javed had taken charge after Jason Gillespie stepped down as Test coach. These changes have taken place since 2024, with all involved having long retired from playing and possessing varying degrees of coaching experience.
Sarfaraz last represented Pakistan in international cricket in December 2023 and also played first-class cricket as recently as October 2025. Following this, he became involved in PCB’s coaching development structure.
In November 2025, he was assigned supervisory responsibilities for Pakistan Shaheens and the Under-19 team. His remit included managing team operations, developing player pathways, coordinating with coaching staff, and overseeing long-term talent identification and development.
The PCB stated at the time that the decision was part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening continuity between youth, ‘A’ teams, and the senior national side within Pakistan’s cricketing structure.
In December 2025, Sarfaraz was also appointed as a consultant for the Under-19 Asia Cup held in the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan went on to win the tournament, defeating India in the final, after which the PCB’s confidence in his coaching involvement increased.
Sarfaraz’s international playing record is summarised below:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 50s | 100s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 54 | 3031 | 37.41 | 21 | 4 | — |
| ODI | 117 | 2315 | 33.55 | 11 | 2 | — |
| T20I | 61 | 818 | — | — | — | 125.26 |
As captain, Sarfaraz led Pakistan to victory in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, securing the nation’s first 50-over ICC title since the 1992 World Cup. At the time, Pakistan were ranked at the bottom of the ICC standings.
Ahead of the Bangladesh tour, Sarfaraz addressed criticism surrounding his appointment. Speaking in Karachi, he stated: “Former cricketers and my previous colleagues have their own opinions. However, I remain positive about making the most of the opportunity.”
The two-Test series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship. The first Test is scheduled to begin on 8 May in Dhaka, followed by the second Test on 16 May in Sylhet.