PCB Considers Axing Test Captain Shan Masood, Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed After Historic Bangladesh Defeat

Karachi, Jun 7: Pakistan cricket could be heading for another significant overhaul after the national team's disappointing 0-2 Test series defeat against Bangladesh, with captain Shan Masood and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed reportedly facing uncertain futures.

According to sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), discussions are underway regarding sweeping changes to the Test setup as the board attempts to address the team's recent struggles.

Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan and ex-all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez have emerged as leading candidates for key roles in a proposed restructuring of the national side.

The developments come in the wake of Pakistan's historic series loss to Bangladesh, a result that has intensified scrutiny on both the team's leadership and management.

As per a PTI report, PCB source confirmed that preliminary talks have already taken place with Younis Khan and Mohammad Hafeez. "I can confirm that Younis Khan and Mohammad Hafeez have both had talks with PCB officials about joining the board in key positions. But things have yet to be finalised," the source said.

Sarfaraz Ahmed's Future Under Review

One of the major proposals being considered is the removal of Sarfaraz Ahmed from his current role as Pakistan's Test head coach.

Rather than severing ties completely, the PCB is reportedly exploring a plan to reassign Sarfaraz to Pakistan's Under-19 and Pakistan A teams, roles he has handled previously with considerable success.

"There is a proposal to remove Sarfaraz as head coach and hand him back the responsibility of managing the national under-19 and A sides," the source revealed.

The source added that any decision regarding Sarfaraz could depend on whether the PCB successfully reaches an agreement with Younis Khan, who has previously set strict conditions before accepting coaching or administrative responsibilities.

Younis remains one of Pakistan's most respected cricketing figures, having played a key role in the country's historic 2009 T20 World Cup triumph and serving in various mentoring capacities since retirement.

Shan Masood's Captaincy Hanging by a Thread

The PCB is also understood to be considering a change in Test leadership following Pakistan's poor run of results under Shan Masood.

While the left-handed batter has reportedly requested additional time to prove himself during upcoming away assignments in the West Indies and England, the board appears increasingly inclined towards appointing a new captain.

Pakistan have struggled for consistency under Masood's leadership, and the defeat to Bangladesh has only strengthened calls for fresh leadership within the red-ball setup.

Although no replacement has been officially identified, discussions around a broader revamp suggest the PCB is preparing for a significant transition period.

Mohammad Hafeez Linked With Selector's Role

Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez is also being considered for an influential administrative position within the board.

Sources indicate that Hafeez could potentially take over as chief selector while simultaneously heading the PCB's international cricket department.

However, negotiations remain at an early stage. "Hafeez is being considered for a bigger role, but only initial discussions have taken place so far," the source said.

There are also concerns within certain sections of the PCB about public perception surrounding any appointment.

"In Hafeez's case, there is a feeling that since the former player has been pretty critical about the team and board in media, roping him in might create an impression he has been offered a position to stop his criticism," the source added.

Another Reset for Pakistan Cricket?

Pakistan cricket has witnessed multiple changes in coaching staff, selection committees and captaincy structures over the past few years. However, the latest discussions indicate that chairman Mohsin Naqvi and his advisors are prepared to initiate another major reset following the Bangladesh debacle.

If the proposed changes are implemented, Pakistan could head into their upcoming tours of the West Indies and England under a new coaching structure, a different captain, and a revamped cricket management hierarchy.

For now, all eyes remain on the PCB as it weighs its next move following one of the most disappointing Test series defeats in recent memory.