PCB Entrusts Sarfaraz with Key Junior Cricket Roles
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has assigned former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed full responsibility for managing the Pakistan Shaheens and Under-19 teams. This move marks a significant restructuring in the board’s development pathway and emphasizes Pakistan’s focus on strengthening its feeder system. So let’s have a look at Sarfaraz Ahmed Pakistan Shaheens U19.
Sarfaraz will now oversee all planning, preparation, and operations for both squads, ensuring alignment with the board’s long-term development goals.
“He is now the director of the Pakistan Shaheens and junior team and will travel with them abroad where required,” a PCB source confirmed.
Role and Responsibilities
Under the new setup, Sarfaraz will:
- Supervise coaching staff, selectors, and support personnel of both teams.
- Coordinate training programs, tours, and performance reviews.
- Make decisions on appointments of coaches or support staff.
- Travel with the teams for international assignments as needed.
The former wicketkeeper-batter had previously joined the PCB as a mentor in the Champions Cup and later as an advisor to the Chairman on cricket affairs. His inclination toward youth development prompted him to accept the expanded role.
Experience and Career Achievements
Sarfaraz brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Key highlights of his international career include:
- Tests: 54 matches, 3,031 runs, 4 centuries, 21 fifties.
- ODIs: 117 matches, 2,315 runs, 2 centuries, 11 fifties.
- T20Is: 61 matches, 818 runs, 3 fifties.
As captain, he led Pakistan to its 2017 ICC Champions Trophy triumph against India and maintained impressive win rates across formats:
- ODIs: 70% win rate
- World Cup 2019: 62.5% win rate
- T20Is: 78.37% win rate (29 wins out of 37 matches)
Junior Squads’ Upcoming Assignments
Sarfaraz will oversee critical preparations for:
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Pakistan Shaheens: Currently in Doha for the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025.
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Pakistan Under-19 Team: Preparing for the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup, scheduled in Zimbabwe and Namibia in January-February 2026.
His experience in high-pressure tournaments and familiarity with youth cricket, having led Pakistan to the 2006 Under-19 World Cup title, will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of cricketers.
Also read: Daryl Mitchell will miss 2nd ODI against West Indies
Long-Term Vision
The PCB’s decision reflects a strategy to ensure consistency and accountability in its junior cricket programs. By placing Sarfaraz at the helm, the board hopes to foster a strong talent pipeline and secure Pakistan’s future in international cricket.
Sarfaraz’s hands-on approach, combined with his leadership experience, positions him perfectly to guide young Pakistani talent on the path to senior international cricket.
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