Explained! Can Active Cricketer Become Coach in International Cricket?

The International Cricket comes with different sets of rules and guidelines. While some of the biggest cricket leagues in the world try to bring in innovations, international cricket maintains its standards, which sets it apart. However, franchise cricket continue to gain a lot of popularity.

One of the rules that has been bothering many over the last few months is “are the active cricketers become coach”. Although, there is no specific rule related to it, many teams have appointed the same.

Can Active Cricketer Become Coach?

England were the first to follow it as they sent some of the sidelined players to coach their A sides as part of a development program. Also, in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the development will be seen as Kane Williamson will be there in the coaching setup for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is all set to take it to the next level as they are all set to make an active cricketer head coach of the team. There is no confirmation related to this rule in international cricket, but with their history of being unpredictable, Pakistan can do anything.

Sarfaraz Ahmed Takes Over as Pakistan New Test Coach

In what has been the latest development, as per the reports in Geo News, the Pakistan Cricket Board are all set to name the wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed, one of the best captains in the world, as the head coach of the Test team. The former captain of the team impressed PCB with his stint with the Pakistan A side.

Under his mentorship, Pakistan A won the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025. He was also with the side in the UAE recently for the white-ball series against England Lions, which got cancelled due to the war in middle east.

The appointment of Sarfaraz Ahmed Pakistan coach comes as a surprise that he is still not retired from international cricket. There were reports that some of the fans urged Mohsin Naqvi to include Sarfaraz in the coaching setup, especially with his history of taking the team to titles. Under his leadership, Pakistan won the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, where they defeated India in the final.

Sarfaraz Ahmed's First Assignment as Pakistan New Coach

The reports claimed that Sarfaraz is all set to take over as Pakistan's head coach from the Bangladesh series. Pakistan will play a series against Asian rivals and Sarfaraz would want to start the series on a high note.

The official announcement related to Sarfaraz Ahmed will be made soon. It will be a massive development in Pakistan’s cricket and the board will be hoping that it pays off. The Shan Masood-led side is currently fifth on the points table of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27.