Pakistan cricket set to get a peek into the Sarfaraz Ahmed era

Pakistan cricket is set to enter the Sarfaraz Ahmed era, again.

The former Pakistan wicket-keeper batter is leaving no stone unturned ahead of the two-match Test series opener against Bangladesh, scheduled at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from May 8.

While this is his first assignment with the senior team, Sarfaraz — who recently retired from international cricket and famously led Pakistan to the Champions Trophy triumph in 2017 — is not a complete stranger to coaching roles.

He guided Pakistan's U19 side to the Asia Cup title as mentor-manager and served in the same role with Pakistan Shaheens during their series against England Lions in the UAE.

The series was cut short due to the West Asia crisis, but Sarfaraz left his mark, prompting the PCB to hand him the reins for the Bangladesh series, replacing Azhar Mahmood who worked on an interim basis during the Test series against South Africa after Jason Gillespie's departure.

Many inside Pakistan cricket feel that while Sarfaraz was handed responsibility for the two-match Test series, it is unlikely he will be replaced soon. The board appears keen to back him.

"He had done some mentoring role in the Under-19 and Shaheens so he is well aware what needs to be done in the dressing room. Now, the challenge is to make that mental shift to turn into a coach from a mentor because there is a slight difference as far as respective roles are concerned," a Pakistani source told Cricbuzz.

Sarfaraz worked extensively with his cricketers in the nets — as a throwdown specialist and in long chats with Shan Masood. He seemed everywhere and relishing every bit of it during training at the academy ground.

Whether this works remains to be seen, given Misbah-ul-Haq's failed three-year tenure as head coach and chief selector, which forced him to resign along with Waqar Younis.

Sarfaraz and his new-look coaching setup — Umar Gul (bowling coach) and Asad Shafiq (batting coach) — will be under scrutiny, but are being welcomed with both hands.

"I think if we look at the new setup, it's the people that we've played with," said captain Shan Masood. "Saifi bhai has been our captain for a very long time. I played a lot of cricket with Asad Shafiq, and Umar Gul is someone I've played under in domestic cricket. We have people that we know very well. When they were players, they were our leaders. For us, it doesn't feel like something new."

"It feels more like people who know us very well, and whom we know well too. They know how to deal with Shan, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and younger players coming through. The connection between coaching staff and players matters a lot. You spend more time with each other than with your own families."

Pakistani pacer Shaheen Afridi echoed similar sentiments, noting it is easier to communicate with a local coach.

"I feel it is easier to talk and understand the plan. Saifi bhai is the head coach and we are all looking forward to it. He played with us when he was captain, so those memories are still in our mind. He knows all the players well and how to use them. For Pakistan cricket, I feel he is the best option right now."

Whether Sarfaraz is the best option can only be assessed in future. For now, it is certain he has arrived with a mission — and knowing his character, he will be the last to surrender.