PCB U-turn on the cards? PAK Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed might get a lifeline after Bangladesh humiliation

PCB U-turn on the cards? PAK Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed might get a lifeline after Bangladesh humiliation originally appeared on Cricket News.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Sarfaraz Ahmed cleared to continue as Pakistan Test head coach despite Bangladesh whitewash.
• Shan Masood’s captaincy future remains uncertain ahead of West Indies and England tours.
• Salman Agha set for maiden England Test tour with strong backing from PCB hierarchy.

Sarfaraz Ahmed gets a clean chit as Pakistan Test coach

The Pakistan Cricket Board might make a U-turn as Sarfaraz Ahmed will reportedly remain in charge as the Test head coach for the two upcoming overseas trips.

Only days ago, it had been widely reported that former captain Younis Khan was being lined up to take over the role and would also join the national selection committee alongside Aqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, and Sarfaraz himself. 

However, a recent report from Geo Newsclaims that Sarfaraz has been given a lifeline and will continue in his role for the upcoming Test tours of the West Indies and England.

MORE: End of the road for Sarfaraz Ahmed? PAK legend emerge frontrunner for Test head coach role

His first assignment as head coach was Pakistan’s two-Test tour of Bangladesh last month, which ended in a 2-0 whitewash. This was the first time Bangladesh had beaten Pakistan in a home Test series.

It was a difficult result to absorb, and it triggered much of the speculation around his future. For now, at least, the PCB has decided to keep faith with him.

Shan Masood’s captaincy hanging in the balance

While Sarfaraz’s position appears settled, the same cannot be said for Test captain Shan Masood. His future in the leadership role remains unclear, though sources indicate he is still under consideration for selection on both tours.

Masood has captained Pakistan in 16 Tests across seven series, winning one, losing four, and drawing two. In accordance with his poor string of results, the PCB has placed him in their “D category” for captains.

However, Masood has experience of English conditions from previous tours in 2016 and 2020, and has led county sides Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Hence, his experience could be considered an asset during the tour.

MORE: ”If you remove seniors, how will juniors learn?’: Shaheen defends Babar

Salman Agha backed for England tour

Salman Agha, who has 25 Test caps to his name, could also be part of the Test squads for West Indies and England. 

Pakistan’s schedule has them playing two Tests in Trinidad and Tobago against the West Indies on July 25–29 and August 2–6, before heading to England for matches at Headingley on August 19, Lord’s on August 27, and Edgbaston on September 9. This is a tentative list, and the fixtures are yet to be confirmed.

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