KARACHI – Pakistan Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed on Wednesday brushed aside criticism over his appointment, saying he remains focused on preparing the national side for their upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 fixtures against Bangladesh.
Speaking during a training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, Sarfaraz acknowledged the debate surrounding his transition from player to head coach but insisted external opinions would not distract him.
“Former cricketers and my ex-colleagues have their own opinions,” he said. “I am very positive about making the most of this new opportunity.”
A New Challenge
Sarfaraz, who recently took over as Pakistan Test head coach, emphasised that his focus remains on building a cohesive unit ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, a key assignment in the World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. The former Pakistan captain expressed confidence in his support staff, highlighting a collective approach to coaching.
“My team management, including Umar Gul, Asad Shafiq, Grant Luden and Abdul Saad, and I are very confident about coaching the team to success,” he said.
Series Schedule
Pakistan are set to face Bangladesh in two Tests, with the first match scheduled to begin on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. The second Test will be played at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from May 16 to 20. The series comes at an important stage for Pakistan, who currently sit fifth in the WTC standings with 12 points after playing two matches in the current cycle.
Babar’s Form
Sarfaraz also addressed questions regarding Babar Azam’s form, backing the star batter ahead of his return to the Test squad following Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) commitments.
“It is good to see Babar scoring runs and that too with a technical comeback. He is looking solid,” Sarfaraz said. “Once he joins us, we will assess his role in the longer format.”
Babar recently led Peshawar Zalmi to the PSL 11 final, boosting confidence ahead of the Bangladesh tour. Other players, including captain Shan Masood and fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, are also expected to join the squad after completing their PSL campaigns.
Squad and Management
Earlier, Pakistan announced a balanced squad for the Bangladesh Test series, featuring experienced players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Hasan Ali alongside emerging talent.
Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Team management: Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Sarfaraz Ahmed (head coach), Asad Shafiq (batting coach), Umar Gul (bowling coach), Abdul Saad (fielding coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor), and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur).
Focus on Preparation
Sarfaraz said the focus during the camp is on preparation, discipline, and adapting to conditions in Bangladesh. Despite scrutiny over his appointment, he maintained that results on the field will ultimately define his tenure as Pakistan Test head coach.
Analysis: A Defining Assignment
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s appointment as Pakistan Test head coach was met with mixed reactions. Critics questioned whether a former player with limited coaching experience was the right choice for the role. But Sarfaraz, a former Pakistan captain who led the team to the 2017 Champions Trophy title, brings leadership experience and an intimate knowledge of the dressing room.
The Bangladesh series is a crucial assignment. Pakistan currently sit fifth in the WTC standings, and a strong performance against Bangladesh could boost their position.
The return of Babar Azam, fresh from a PSL century and a final appearance, is a welcome boost. Sarfaraz’s comments that Babar is “looking solid” and has made a “technical comeback” suggest that the star batter has been working on his game.
The coaching staff — including Umar Gul (bowling coach) and Asad Shafiq (batting coach) — brings a blend of experience and recent playing knowledge.
The training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre is an opportunity to build cohesion. With the first Test starting on May 8, there is little time to waste.
Sarfaraz may be unfazed by criticism, but results will determine whether the faith placed in him is justified. The Bangladesh series is his first test.
