Lahore: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the acting head coach of Pakistan’s red-ball team. Mahmood, who previously served as Pakistan’s bowling coach and assistant head coach, will hold the position until the end of the current contract period.
Announcing the decision, the PCB highlighted Mahmood’s extensive experience, noting that his strategic insight, international exposure, and success in English county cricket make him an ideal fit for the role.
“The PCB is confident that under Azhar’s leadership, the red-ball team will continue to strengthen and perform on the global stage,” the statement said.
Mahmood replaces Aaqib Javed, who had been overseeing the red-ball squad since the departure of Jason Gillespie last year. Javed stepped down after Pakistan’s disappointing run in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year.
Mahmood’s immediate challenge will be to prepare the team for the new ICC World Test Championship cycle, beginning with South Africa’s tour of Pakistan for a two-match Test series later this year.
