Everything seems to be falling in place for Sarfraz Ahmed. The Pakistan One-Day International and Twenty20 International captain is all set to take over the reins in Tests as well, according to a report in PTI. The position has been vacant since the retirement of Misbah-ul-Haq after the West Indies tour in May.
The 30-year-old wicket-keeper was already the first choice to take over the reigns from Misbah, but the Champions Trophy victory has most certainly cemented the decision. Only an official announcement has to be made by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Shaharyar Khan.
“It is now just a formality of the PCB Chairman making an announcement when he returns home. The decision has been taken and is final. Sarfaraz will take over as Test captain after being appointed as deputy to Misbah-ul-Haq on the recent tour to the West Indies,” an official said on Thursday (June 22).
Misbah led the Pakistan Test side for seven years and was the most successful captain in their history. He took over the role in late 2010 and held the position till the tour of West Indies in 2017, where he played his last international game for Pakistan.
Pakistan do not play Test cricket till September-October, when they host Sri Lanka for a series in the UAE. The long gap has come about after Pakistan pulled out of a scheduled Test tour of Bangladesh in July.
It is also likely that head coach, Mickey Arthur will cling on to his position after a successful Champions Trophy campaign. “Any decision on the future of some coaches will be taken based on the committee’s suggestions. But Chairman, Shaharyar is delighted with the work of head coach, Mickey Arthur,” the official said.
