KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been given a clean chit and will continue as head coach for the upcoming Test tours of the West Indies and England, according to reports. Jio News On Wednesday.
Most recently, Sarfaraz led Pakistan as the Test head coach during the tour of Bangladesh last month, where the home team beat the national team 2-0 to earn their first home whitewash against Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Test captain Shaun Masood’s future remains uncertain, although he remains in strong consideration for selection on both tours.
Despite the uncertainty over the leadership, Masood is in the running for the role and a final decision is yet to be made, sources said.
The left-handed batsman, who has featured in 46 Tests and captained Pakistan in 16 matches, has worked under several head coaches during his tenure.
He has led Pakistan in seven Test series, winning only one, losing four and drawing two. He is currently placed in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) captains’ “D Division”.
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 team, the sources added.
Masood previously toured England in 2016 and 2020 and 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 has received strong support from key figures in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) think tank. Sources said that no final decision has been taken on whether Masood will continue as captain or be removed.
Notably, Pakistan will play a two-Test series against the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago from July 25-29 and August 2-6.
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 is yet to be formally confirmed.
Syed Yahya Hussaini
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