Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Test coaching future in doubt as Mike Hesson joins Pakistan camp

LONDON: Pakistan’s coaching setup could be heading for another major change, with red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed reportedly facing an uncertain future following the team’s disappointing Test series in England.

The development comes after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat to England at Lord’s, a result that intensified speculation about changes within the national team management.

According to reports, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, who had initially travelled to London alongside High Performance Director Aaqib Javed for an engagement involving Prince Charles, is now expected to become involved in Pakistan’s Test affairs as well.

Sources suggest the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asked Hesson to oversee matters related to the Test team. He is also expected to remain with the squad for the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham, beginning on September 9.

More significantly, Hesson is reportedly set to be present inside Pakistan’s dressing room during the Test, a development that has raised questions about Sarfaraz’s position and the future structure of the coaching setup.

The possibility of Hesson taking responsibility for the red-ball side would mark another significant expansion of his role. He currently oversees Pakistan’s white-ball teams, including the ODI and T20I squads.

The reported move comes at a difficult time for Pakistan cricket. The team has struggled to produce consistent batting performances during the England series, while the Lord’s defeat exposed weaknesses in both execution and partnerships.

The PCB has already been considering changes following the series loss, and the coaching position could now become part of a wider restructuring.

If the reports materialise, Hesson could gradually take charge of all three formats, while Sarfaraz could be removed from his Test coaching role after the England tour.

However, no final official decision regarding Sarfaraz’s replacement has been publicly confirmed. The Birmingham Test could therefore become an important moment not only for Pakistan’s players but also for the coaching staff.

With the final Test approaching, attention will now focus on whether Hesson’s increased involvement signals the beginning of another major shake-up in Pakistan cricket.