Name: Pakistan Test Coach Responds to Criticism Over His Role
Uploaded: 2026-04-29T13:10:08+00:00
Description: Sarfaraz Ahmed has responded to criticism following his appointment as head coach of Pakistan’s men’s Test team, saying he remains focused on making the most of the opportunity. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the team’s training camp ahead of the Bangladesh series, Sarfaraz said external opinions do not affect him.

Sarfaraz Ahmed has responded to criticism following his appointment as head coach of Pakistan’s men’s Test team, saying he remains focused on making the most of the opportunity. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the team’s training camp ahead of the Bangladesh series, Sarfaraz said external opinions do not affect him.

Sarfaraz Ahmed has responded to criticism following his appointment as head coach of Pakistan’s men’s Test team, saying he remains focused on making the most of the opportunity.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the team’s training camp ahead of the Bangladesh series, Sarfaraz said external opinions do not affect him.

“See, former cricketers and my ex-colleagues have their own opinions. I am very positive about making the most of this new opportunity,” he said.

He added that the team management is fully aligned and confident about delivering results. “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 added.

Pakistan’s Test squad is currently training at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre ahead of a two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.

The first Test will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from May 8 to 12, followed by the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from May 16 to 20.

Responding to a question about Babar Azam’s return in T20 cricket, Sarfaraz Ahmed said the former captain has shown strong signs of improvement.

“It is good to see Babar scoring runs and that too with a technical comeback too. He is looking solid. Yes, he has scored runs in T20s but once he joins us, we will see his role here as well,” he said.

Babar, who recently led Peshawar Zalmi to the Pakistan Super League 11 final in Karachi, is expected to join the Test squad after May 3. Meanwhile, Khurram Shehzad and Test captain Shan Masood will also join the squad after completing their commitments in PSL 11.

Pakistan is currently placed fifth in the World Test Championship standings with 12 points, having played two matches in the ongoing cycle against South Africa at home in October 2025.

The team is also scheduled to play Test series against England, Sri Lanka, and West Indies later this year.

📢 For the latest Sports news, videos and analysis join ProPakistani's WhatsApp Group now!

Follow ProPakistani on Google News & scroll through your favourite content faster!