Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials are expected to convene this weekend to decide the fate of men's Test team captain Shan Masood and head coach Sarfaraz Khan following the team's 0-2 Test series defeat in Bangladesh, as reported by news agency PTI on Wednesday.
Meeting to Determine Leadership
The meeting, which will be attended by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, is anticipated to determine whether Masood and Sarfaraz will retain their roles for the upcoming tours of England and the West Indies. A PCB source revealed that a key decision revolves around Masood's continuation as Test captain for these tours.
“Many selectors and some board officials believe it is time to give Salman Ali Agha the chance to lead the Test side now,” the source stated, as quoted by PTI. Despite Masood's desire to continue, the disappointing result in Bangladesh could work against him. Agha currently leads Pakistan in white-ball cricket.
Coaching Role Under Scrutiny
The source also indicated that the PCB has not yet finalized any agreement with Sarfaraz, while former captain Younis Khan is being considered as a possible replacement for the head coach's role. “For the time being it appears that Sarfaraz will remain until a deal is reached with Younis, who has always been a tough negotiator when it comes to holding any post in the board,” the official said. Former captain Mohammad Hafeez is also in contention for the position, although no decision has been made despite discussions between PCB officials and both candidates.
“The situation will become clear by Saturday when the meeting is scheduled but apparently Mohsin Naqvi wants changes as he is not satisfied with the overall progress of Pakistan cricket,” the official added.
Structural Changes Expected
Naqvi is also keen to reduce the workload of officials holding multiple positions within the PCB. Currently, former captain Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Sarfaraz, and Aaqib Javed serve as national selectors, while some of them also perform other duties within the board. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson is also involved in selection matters. The meeting could also include a decision on the appointment of a Director (International Cricket).
