Younis Khan set to ‘replace’ Sarfaraz Ahmed as Pakistan Test head coach

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to appoint former Pakistan captain Younis Khan as the national Test team’s head coach, replacing Sarfaraz Ahmed, according to sources.

The reported move comes just months after Sarfaraz was appointed to the role in April. During his brief tenure, he guided Pakistan’s Under-19 side to victory in the 2025 Asia Cup and oversaw the senior team’s two-match Test series against Bangladesh in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.

Sarfaraz, who captained Pakistan to their historic triumph at the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2017, began his coaching stint with the away Test series against Bangladesh. However, Pakistan suffered a 2-0 series defeat, prompting speculation about significant changes within the Test setup.

Following the Bangladesh whitewash, reports suggested that Test captain Shan Masood could also face removal, with all-rounder Salman Ali Agha emerging as a leading candidate to take over the captaincy.

Sources further indicate that the PCB is planning to hand key responsibilities to former Pakistan stars Younis Khan and Mohammad Hafeez as part of a broader restructuring of the national team’s management.

Widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s greatest cricketers, Younis remains the country’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket. He also led Pakistan to their only ICC T20 World Cup title at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2009. PCB officials reportedly view his leadership experience and cricketing credentials as key assets in rebuilding the Test side.

In addition to the head coach role, Younis is also expected to join Pakistan’s national selection committee, which currently includes Aaqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq and Sarfaraz Ahmed.