Ahmed Shahzad Slams Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Coaching Appointment

SportsAhmed Shahzad Slams Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Coaching AppointmentBy Web Desk-Apr 20, 2026LAHORE: Former Pakistan opening batter Ahmed Shahzad has voiced strong opposition to the appointment of Sarfaraz Ahmed as the head coach of the Pakistan Test team, ARY News reported. The cricketer-turned-analyst took to the social media platform X, asserting that Pakistan cricket suffers from a lack of merit rather than a lack of talent. Shahzad criticized Sarfaraz Ahmed’s rapid transition, noting that the former captain moved from franchise cricket to the Pakistan Cup, then to a mentorship role for juniors, followed by a stint on the selection committee, and has now been appointed head coach—all, he claims, without sufficient coaching experience. Pakistan cricket isn’t short on talent; it’s short on transparency and merit. Sarfaraz Ahmed moved from franchise cricket into the Pakistan Cup, then into junior cricket as a mentor, then into a selection role, and now he has become the head coach in the ultimate format of the… — Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) April 18, 2026 He further highlighted potential conflicts of interest, pointing out that Sarfaraz’s close associate, Asad Shafiq, is currently a selector for the women’s team, oversees the Karachi Cricket Academy, and has now been appointed batting coach while remaining on the selection committee. “This overlap raises serious questions: is this a professional system or a closed network?” Shahzad asked. On the subject of player selection, Shahzad pointed to several inconsistencies: Overlooked Talent: He noted that Saad Baig scored 1,000 runs in a season and Rohail Nazir remains sidelined despite being ready, while Ghazi Ghori was selected instead. Performance Standards: He questioned the continued captaincy of Shan Masood at age 32, asking, “Where is the standard of performance?” Ignored Performers: Shahzad criticized the continued exclusion of Kamran Ghulam and Asif Afridi, the latter of whom was dropped despite a splendid rec...