Mohsin Naqvi's PCB Creates More Drama, Another Pakistan Coach Set To Be Sacked

PCB set to sack Sarfaraz Ahmed as Pakistan Test coach [Source: AFP]

Just one series as Pakistan’s Test head coach, and Sarfaraz Ahmed’s place is already in jeopardy. He was appointed the coach before the Bangladesh series, and it seems the PCB is already looking for a change after an embarrassing performance against Bangladesh.

Pakistan headed to Bangladesh for a two-match Test series with the aim of defeating the Tigers in their backyard. However, what followed was a disastrous performance, and Sarfaraz Ahmed could face the PCB's sacking.

Pakistan whitewashed by Bangladesh in Sarfaraz Ahmed's first assignment

On paper, Pakistan had a strong squad for the two-match Test series away from home, but as they say, battles are not won on paper, but rather on the field. The Bangladesh Tests were Sarfaraz Ahmed’s chance to stamp his authority as the head coach, but he and his players failed to deliver the goods.

The Tigers won the first Test match in Dhaka by a whopping 104-run margin, and the hosts then inflicted a whitewash by defeating the Pakistan side in the second Test match as well.

Under Sarfaraz Ahmed’s leadership and guidance, the Pakistan team hardly put up a fight, and the series loss has almost put them out of contention for the WTC finale.

As a result, PCB is contemplating replacing him, and reportedly, one of their legendary players could step up for the head coach role.

Mohsin Naqvi's PCB set to appoint Younis Khan as Test coach

According to the latest report by Pakistan journalist, Saleem Khaliq, Mohsin Naqvi’s PCB could sack Sarfaraz as the Test head coach, and the role could be given to Pakistan’s legendary player and former captain, Younis Khan.

Pakistan’s next Test assignment is against the struggling West Indies team, and reportedly, Sarfaraz could be removed from the post, with Younis taking over. However, it is also mentioned that if PCB shows trust in Sarfaraz for one more Test series, Younis could still be given another role in the coaching setup.

Also Read: Pakistan Players' Revolt vs Mohsin Naqvi's PCB After Bangladesh Defeat Leaked

Younis has been doing a coaching role at the youth level in Pakistan, and his experience and wisdom could be crucial for the future of Pakistan cricket.

Too many coaches for Pakistan in last few years

In the last few years, Pakistan cricket has changed coaches for fun, and they are hardly given time to stamp their ideas and authority. Gary Kirsten, and Jason Gillespie were appointed white-ball and red-ball coaches in early 2024, but the duo resigned the same year, citing problems with the PCB.

In the same year, former cricketer Mohammad Hafeez served as the Director of Cricket, and another former player, Aqib Javed, became the Director of High-Performance in Pakistan.

If that was not enough, then Mike Hesson, the former New Zealand coach, was given the responsibility to lead Pakistan’s white-ball team, and Sarfaraz was eventually made the red-ball coach.

Now, it seems Sarfaraz’s time could be up, with another former cricketer, Younis Khan likely to take charge from the next series onwards.

Should Sarfaraz Ahmed be sacked as Test coach?

It has been just a solitary series, and the PCB is already contemplating replacing him. In reality, one series shouldn’t define Sarfaraz’s capability, as under his guidance, Pakistan’s youth team performed extraordinarily well in youth tournaments.

The Pakistan team is almost out of the WTC finale race, and they have nothing to lose. Hence, the upcoming matches should be given to Sarfaraz to stamp his ideas on the team, and if that doesn’t work, then maybe PCB could take a harsh call.

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