Pakistan's cricket board has appointed former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as the head coach of their Test team for the upcoming two-match series in Bangladesh, succeeding Jason Gillespie.
Pakistan's Test team head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has acknowledged ongoing fitness issues within the squad, despite a recent training camp. A new conditioning camp is planned to address these concerns before the team's crucial tours to the Caribbean and England. New Test captain Babar Azam is focused on improving fitness and discipline for better performance in red-ball cricket.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly offering the head coach position for the Test team to former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, potentially making him the youngest person to hold the role.
Sarfaraz Ahmed, former Pakistan captain and ICC tournament winner, announces his retirement from all forms of cricket, paving the way for a potential coaching role.
A controversy overshadowed Pakistan's Lord's Test after reports emerged of the PCB threatening to boycott the match if Sky Sports aired an interview with Imran Khan's sons. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed denied any knowledge of such a threat, despite the interview being broadcast and the team returning to play. The incident highlights the political tensions surrounding Imran Khan's imprisonment impacting the cricket team.
Sarfaraz Ahmed highlights the importance of trust and clear communication with players as he takes on the role of Pakistan's Test format head coach, ahead of the series against Bangladesh.
'There is no harm in sending young players to show the world that Pakistan cricket still has talent.'
The Pakistan Cricket Board has come under fire from former players after sacking head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, and sending back seven players, including national T20 captain Salman Ali Agha, in the middle of their Test series against England. The drastic changes followed Pakistan's heavy defeats in the first two Tests, prompting widespread condemnation for the timing and impact on team morale and stability.
Visitors Pakistan replaced seven players and their head coach on Monday, after suffering two heavy losses to England in their ongoing three-Test series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has instructed its players participating in the Test series against England to refrain from commenting on the imprisonment of former captain Imran Khan. This directive follows attempts by British media to elicit comments and a Sky Sports interview with Khan's sons, which the PCB deemed political. The board prioritised diplomatic relations and the ongoing series despite its displeasure.
Babar Azam's fever adds to Pakistan's mounting troubles before the Edgbaston Test, with the PCB overhauling the squad and coaching staff after England secured an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Babar Azam said Pakistan's sweeping squad changes came as a surprise, defended the team's selection decisions, urged a fearless approach at Edgbaston, while the PCB launched disciplinary inquiry.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam will miss this week's first test in against England after injuring his right hand during a warm-up match and Salman Ali Agha will deputise, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said on Tuesday.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly undertaking a major "clean-up" operation, which could see senior selector Aaqib Javed removed and a new selection committee formed. This follows the controversial return of players Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Salman Ali Agha from England, with concerns raised over their form and behaviour. The PCB is also reviewing coaching staff and player conduct.
Former Australia batter Usman Khawaja has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board's director of high performance, Aaqib Javed, over his comments regarding the team's major shake-up during the Test series against England.
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has resigned from the men's national selection committee and as a batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering sacking Test team head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and captain Shan Masood following a 0-2 series defeat against Bangladesh. The board is also in talks with former players Younis Khan and Muhammad Hafeez for key positions, including chief selector and a role in the international cricket department.
Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam is set to play his first domestic first-class match since 2019, a move that follows the Pakistan Cricket Board's controversial decision to send back seven players and sack coaches after the recent Test tour of England.
On Sunday in Dubai, Sarfaraz Ahmed added another chapter to a strangely consistent rivalry story as Pakistan Under-19s thrashed India by 191 runs to lift the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup.
Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie has strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its constant upheaval, including the 'disrespectful' sacking of players and frequent changes in coaching staff, which he believes creates instability and fear among players.
Former Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq has criticised the differential treatment of foreign and local coaches in Pakistan cricket, stating that foreign coaches enjoy more authority and less scrutiny. He also highlighted the need for consistency, patience, and long-term planning, drawing comparisons with India's successful cricket development model.
Pakistan's interim red-ball head coach Mike Hesson has distanced himself from the decision to drop senior players Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, and Imam-ul-Haq from the Test squad, stating they were already released when he took charge.
The Pakistan Cricket Board's policy regarding its employees working for Pakistan Super League franchises is unclear, causing confusion among staff and franchise officials.
Pakistan were bowled out for 133 as England's bowlers tore through their batting lineup in the third Test at Edgbaston.
Joe Root's unbeaten 62 guided England to a dominant eight-wicket victory in the third Test against Pakistan, securing a 3-0 series whitewash despite early batting jitters. This marks England's first series win in 19 months.
K L Rahul is likely to be named India's vice-captain for the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies, starting on September 27.
The Pakistan Cricket Board's policy regarding employees working with Pakistan Super League franchises is under scrutiny after Misbah ul Haq confirmed his role as a consultant with Peshawar Zalmi, despite being a national selector and batting consultant with the PCB.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will get a golden chance to improve upon his none too impressive first class numbers when East Zone take on the severely inexperienced North East Zone in the quarter-final of the Duleep Trophy.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to significantly increase match fees and monthly retainers for centrally contracted players, particularly those in the red ball Track A category, for the 2026/27 cycle. The new contracts also introduce format-based categories and substantial bonuses for winning ICC and Asia Cup events.
Sarfaraz said that he was under no pressure as captain before the mega-event.
Former Chennai Super Kings batter Suresh Raina believes the five-time IPL champions should look at buying the in-form Sarfaraz Khan at the auction on Tuesday.
Pakistan's experienced wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed laid out the team's plans to ruin Australia's star batter David Warner's farewell Test series.
Sarfaraz Khan and Siddhesh Lad compiled superlative hundreds to power table-toppers Mumbai to a commanding 332 for 4 on Day 1 of their Ranji Trophy match against hosts Hyderabad on Thursday.
'Sometimes it might look wrong in the fans' eyes, but please don't twist things or create narratives that aren't even close to the truth.'
Afghanistan's star leg-spinner Rashid Khan declined citizenship offers from India and Australia, reaffirming his commitment to representing his home country, according to a new book.
The Pakistan Under-19 team celebrated their dominant 191-run victory over India in the Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai by dancing to the viral 'FA9LA' track from the blockbuster Dhurandhar.
'Indian players kept provoking Pakistani players during the Under-19 Asia Cup final.'
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha on Monday said the players will follow whatever instructions are given to them by the government or the cricket Board with regards to boycotting the marquee T20 World Cup match against India on February 15 in Colombo.
Pakistani national selectors are reportedly unhappy with the level of authority given to white-ball head coach Mike Hesson in player selection, prompting calls for a review of the current selection structure.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has been named as one of the four event ambassadors for the ICC Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 to March 9.
