The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Azhar Mahmood as the interim red-ball head coach of the national team.
He will serve in this position until the conclusion of his current contract.
According to a PCB spokesperson, Azhar Mahmood possesses a seasoned cricketing mind and is stepping into this role with a strong background of experience. Under his guidance, the Pakistan team is expected to perform well in Test cricket.
Having previously served as the assistant head coach of the national team, Azhar has long been an integral part of the team’s strategic core.
The board acknowledged that Azhar’s deep understanding of the game, hands-on experience at the international level, and notable success in the English county circuit make him a highly suitable and reliable choice for the role.
His credentials in red-ball cricket are underscored by two County Championship titles, reflecting his leadership, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to high performance.
Previously, the former all-rounder has also served as the national team’s bowling coach and had expressed his intention to apply for the head coach position.
Earlier this month, in an interview, he said, “I will definitely apply for the position of head coach of the Pakistan team.”
Azhar Mahmood’s interim appointment comes just weeks after the PCB named former New Zealand cricketer and seasoned coach Mike Hesson as the white-ball head coach of the national team.
It is worth noting that Azhar’s interim role was confirmed shortly after Mike Hesson’s appointment. Hesson’s first assignment as head coach was the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh earlier this month, which Pakistan won 3-0.
