Pakistan’s legendary batsman Babar Azam made a heart-touching social media post wishing former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed success in the upcoming chapters of his life. The story was posted on his Instagram handle after the former Champions Trophy-winning captain announced his retirement.
Pakistan cricket is going through a massive transformation and improving results will require changes not only in the players but also in the coaching staff, who are equally inefficient. These changes may be forced due to Pakistan’s poor performance in ICC tournaments as well as their abysmal form in red-ball cricket.
Pakistan found limited success in Test cricket under Jason Gillespie against England in the last WTC cycle, but he then left the role after some disputes with the PCB. Pakistan have just started their WTC 2025-27 campaign and are tied with one win and one loss from two matches.
Babar Azam wishes Sarfaraz Ahmed on his international retirement
As of 15 March 2026, Sarfaraz Ahmed, the last captain to win an ICC tournament for Pakistan, has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 38-year-old had some great years for Pakistan and led them to their first-ever Champions Trophy title in 2017.
Veteran batsman Babar Azam was part of the Champions Trophy-winning team under Sarfaraz Ahmed. On his retirement, he wrote an inspiring goodbye to the former captain and wished him all the best for the upcoming chapters of his life.
Babar Azam’s Instagram story reads, “Saifie bhai, it has been a privilege to play under you. Thank you for your guidance, faith and the memories you have given to Pakistan cricket. Wishing you success and peace in this new chapter of life.”
Babar Azam’s Instagram story for Sarfaraz Ahmed. pic.twitter.com/5vcK9E9Feu
-Salman. (@TsMeSalman) 15 March 2026
Sarfaraz Ahmed likely to take over as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach
According to reliable media sources, it is almost certain that former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed will be appointed the next red ball coach for the national team, replacing interim coach Azhar Mahmood, who took over after the departure of Jason Gillespie.
Although there is no official confirmation yet, the news seems to be true as well as credible. However, Sarfaraz announced his retirement and was seen working as a member of the selection committee.
There is every possibility of him taking command of Pakistan during Bangladesh tour. The two-match Test series will be part of their ICC World Test Championship schedule and is scheduled to be played in May.
Babar Azam became the captain of Pakistan in place of Sarfaraz Ahmed.
In 2019, when Sarfaraz Ahmed was struggling with form in the T20I and Test teams, the PCB decided to sack him from the captaincy and instead brought back Azhar Ali as the captain of the red ball team and announced young Babar Azam as the T20I captain.
Babar eventually took over as captain of all formats for Pakistan and led them on several occasions. However, Babar’s stats as a captain, especially in ICC tournaments, look terrible, except for the fact that under his leadership, Pakistan won its only ICC T20 World Cup match against India.
Their best tournament came in the 2022 T20 World Cup, when Pakistan reached the final but missed out on the title, losing to England.
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