KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has reportedly been cleared to continue as head coach for Pakistan’s upcoming Test tours of the West Indies and England, sources said Geo news on Wednesday.
Sarfaraz recently led Pakistan in his first assignment as Test head coach during last month’s Bangladesh tour, where the hosts defeated the national side 2-0 to claim their first-ever home match against Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Test captain Shan Masood’s future remains uncertain, although he is still strongly considered for selection on both tours.
Sources suggest that despite the ongoing leadership uncertainty, Masood will continue to vie for the role while a final decision is yet to be made.
The left-handed batsman, who appeared in 46 Tests and captained Pakistan in 16 matches, has worked under multiple head coaches during his leadership tenure.
He has also led Pakistan in seven Test series, winning just one, losing four and drawing two. He is currently placed in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) “D category” for captains.
Sources further added that T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, who has represented Pakistan in 25 Tests, is set to embark on his maiden England tour as part of the Test squad.
Masood previously toured England in 2016 and 2020 and also brings leadership experience from county cricket, having captained Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
According to reports, his familiarity with English conditions and media environment could prove valuable for Pakistan during the series.
Meanwhile, Salman Ali Agha is believed to have strong support from key figures within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) think tank. A final decision on Masood’s continuation as captain or possible removal is yet to be made, sources said.
It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan will play a two-Test series against West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago from July 25 to 29 and August 2 to 6.
England’s Test tour is expected to begin at Headingley on August 19, followed by matches at Lord’s on August 27 and Edgbaston on September 9, although the official schedule has yet to be formally confirmed.
