Over the past five years, Pakistan cricket has become synonymous with a troubling pattern of coaching instability. Following a series of disappointing performances, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has repeatedly opted for management reshuffles, resulting in an ongoing coaching carousel that has yet to yield consistent success. The most recent upheaval took place in August 2026, when Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was dismissed after the team suffered losses in the first two Tests against England. In a bid to regain control, the PCB appointed white-ball head coach Mike Hesson to lead the Test squad ahead of the third Test, while also sending seven players home in a sweeping move to rejuvenate the team.
This latest incident underscores a long-standing issue within Pakistan cricket: the lack of coaching stability. Since Misbah-ul-Haq stepped down in September 2021, the national team has undergone a series of changes, including permanent, interim, and split-format coaching arrangements. Rather than a clear succession plan, the coaching history of the past five years resembles a revolving door, with each new appointment bringing fresh uncertainty.
Misbah-ul-Haq, who was appointed head coach and chief selector in 2019, initiated a period where Pakistan operated under an all-format coaching structure. However, after stepping down in September 2021, the PCB quickly turned to Saqlain Mushtaq and Abdul Razzaq as interim coaches for the New Zealand series. Saqlain eventually became the permanent head coach, overseeing the team across formats until the end of the 2022-23 season. His departure led to another transition in 2023, when the PCB introduced a new coaching structure with Grant Bradburn as head coach and Mickey Arthur as team director.
Bradburn's formal appointment in May 2023 marked another attempt to establish stability, but the structure was altered once again following the 2023 World Cup. The PCB appointed Mohammad Hafeez as team director for the Test tour of Australia, continuing a trend of frequent changes not only in coaching staff but also in the titles and responsibilities of senior management positions.
In April 2024, Pakistan embarked on perhaps its most ambitious coaching experiment yet, hiring Jason Gillespie as red-ball head coach and Gary Kirsten as white-ball head coach. This split was designed to provide specialized leadership for both formats, with Kirsten expected to enhance the white-ball program and Gillespie focusing on the Test side. However, this arrangement was short-lived, as Kirsten resigned in October 2024, leading to Gillespie taking over interim responsibilities for the white-ball tour of Australia. By the end of 2024, Pakistan had reverted to an interim coaching setup once again.
As 2025 unfolded, Aqib Javed was appointed interim white-ball head coach, eventually paving the way for Mike Hesson's permanent appointment in May. Hesson, who had previously coached New Zealand and Kenya, began his tenure amid hopes of establishing continuity. Meanwhile, Azhar Mahmood was named acting red-ball head coach, overseeing the Test side through a home series against South Africa. This split between Hesson's white-ball role and Azhar's red-ball responsibilities appeared to offer a glimmer of hope for stability.
However, the situation took another turn in 2026 when Sarfaraz Ahmed was appointed red-ball head coach ahead of the Bangladesh Test series. His direct transition from player to coach was notable, given his previous experience with the Pakistan Shaheens and U19 teams. Unfortunately, Sarfaraz's tenure was cut short following a poor start to the England Test series, leading to his removal alongside bowling coach Umar Gul. Once again, Hesson was tasked with leading the Test side, further emphasizing the ongoing struggle for consistency within Pakistan cricket's coaching framework.
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