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Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is set to be appointed head coach of the Pakistan Test cricket team, filling a vacancy that has lasted since late 2025. Having worked with the Pakistan Shaheens and led the Asia Cup‑winning U19 squad, Sarfaraz brings extensive experience as a former player and captain, with his tenure expected to begin before Pakistan’s May Test series against Bangladesh.

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is poised to be appointed the new head coach of the Pakistan national Test cricket team, ending a vacancy in the role that has lasted several months, with an official announcement expected soon. Sources say Sarfaraz will formally assume coaching duties ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh in May.

The role has been unfilled since late 2025, when the previous interim coach’s tenure ended. Sarfaraz, who has been working with the Pakistan Shaheens and previously mentored the Asia Cup‑winning U19 squad, brings extensive experience as a former skipper and player to the position.

Pakistan is scheduled to play a two‑match Test series against Bangladesh beginning May 8, part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, offering Sarfaraz his first major assignment as head coach in red‑ball cricket.

The 38‑year‑old retired wicketkeeper‑batter enjoyed a notable international career, scoring over 3000 Test runs and leading Pakistan to the 2017 Champions Trophy title.

Shaheen Afridi & Usman Tariq Left Standing In Embarrassment As Team India Walks Past Without Shaking Hands Post IND vs PAK T20 World Cup Match; Video

In a highly anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo, India demolished Pakistan by 61 runs in a dominant display that underlined their strength in high‑profile encounters between the arch‑rivals.

But the pre‑match tension didn’t end on the field. Long before the first ball was bowled, a “no‑handshake” policy, adopted by the Indian team since the 2025 Asia Cup, set the tone for the encounter. India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha avoided the traditional handshake at the toss, reflecting lingering political tensions that have spilled into the cricketing arena.

When the match ended, a similar scene unfolded. As the Indian players celebrated their comprehensive victory, Pakistani stars like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usman Tariq stood waiting near the field hoping for the customary gesture of sportsmanship. But the Indian team walked past without engaging, no handshakes, no eye contact, before heading straight to their dressing room.

The sight of Afridi and Tariq looking on was widely shared on social media, sparking debate among cricket fans. Supporters from both sides have weighed in, some defending India’s stance as symbolic of broader national sentiment, others arguing that sport should rise above politics and uphold traditions like the post‑match handshake.

Cricket commentators note that this is not the first time the ritual was skipped; the two teams have avoided handshakes at key moments since geopolitical strains intensified last year. Whether this becomes a new norm in Indo‑Pak clashes remains a topic of passionate discussion among fans and experts alike.