Former skipper Younis Khan is expected to replace Sarfraz Ahmed and take over responsibilities as Test head coach of the national cricket team, sources said Geo news.
Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to a historic ICC Men’s Champions Trophy win in 2017, was appointed head coach in April this year and his first assignment in the role was a two-match away series against Bangladesh, part of the World Test Championship (WTC).
But his appointment could not force a change in fortunes for the national team, who suffered a 2-0 defeat to Bangladesh, their second successive win against the same opposition in the longest format.
After back-to-back defeats against Bangladesh, reports emerged that experienced left-handed opener Shan Masood could be sacked as captain, while all-rounder Salman Ali Agha was tipped as his successor.
Meanwhile, according to insiders, both the captain and head coach of the Test side could be relieved of their respective roles as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to give key roles to two former national cricketers – Younis and Hafeez.
Besides replacing Sarfaraz as Test head coach, Younis, who captained Pakistan to their maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title in 2009, is also expected to be included in the national men’s cricket team selection committee.
However, Sarfaraz will continue to work with Pakistan’s Shaheens, sources said.
While Hafeez, who has represented Pakistan in 55 Tests, 218 ODIs and 119 T20Is, is likely to become the Director of International Cricket – a role that has been vacant since the PCB suspended Usman Wahla in September last year.
Interestingly, like Younis, Hafeez is bracing himself for a dual role as he too is scheduled to be included in the Pakistan men’s selection committee, which currently consists of Aqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq and Sarfaraz.
