Azhar Mahmood Appointed Pakistan Red-Ball Head Coach
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially appointed former international allrounder Azhar Mahmood as the red-ball acting head coach of the national team. Azhar Mahmood replaces Aqib Javed, who briefly handled bowling responsibilities following Gillespie’s sudden departure. With this appointment, the PCB aims to bring long-term stability and technical expertise to the Test squad’s pace and spin departments.
Azhar’s Coaching Journey
Azhar has a rich coaching résumé. He earlier served as Pakistan’s assistant head coach and bowling coach across formats. His role during Mickey Arthur’s tenure from 2016 to 2019 was instrumental in Pakistan’s rise to the No. 1 T20I ranking and the 2017 Champions Trophy win.
He has also coached in multiple franchise leagues, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
County Championship Success
As a red-ball specialist coach in England, Azhar won two County Championship titles—one with Surrey and another with Kent—highlighting his value in long-format development. His hands-on work with emerging and senior bowlers in domestic English conditions has been praised by many within the county system.
Red-Ball Focus for a Transitioning Squad
The red-ball unit of Pakistan is undergoing transition, with a blend of young talent and senior pros. Azhar’s appointment comes at a crucial moment, with the Test team looking to rebuild after inconsistent performances in recent series. The PCB believes his international playing experience, red-ball credentials, and mentoring skills make him ideal for grooming Pakistan’s next crop of fast bowlers.
Azhar Mehmood Career as a Cricketer
Azhar Mahmood played 21 Tests and 143 ODIs for Pakistan between 1996 and 2007. He scored over 3,000 runs and took 162 international wickets. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, he was often a match-winner with bat and ball. After retiring, he became a British citizen and began coaching in England, blending international and domestic expertise.
What Lies Ahead?
Azhar will join the coaching panel ahead of Pakistan’s next Test assignment, likely in late 2025. With upcoming series in tough conditions, his experience will be critical. Pakistan fans will be hoping Azhar Mahmood can inject tactical sharpness and discipline into the bowling group. His return marks another attempt by PCB to balance international experience with long-term development goals in red-ball cricket.
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