According to ICC website, Azhar Mahmood is the acting head coach for red ball cricket for Pakistan.
He takes over the job after being the bowling coach and assistant head coach of the men’s team. He will be in the position till his contract ends. Pakistan thinks Azhar will do well because he has been a player and a coach.
A statement released by Pakistan and quoted on the ICC website says Azhar is a knowledgeable cricketer and has a lot of experience.
The statement also said Azhar has been part of the team’s strategy as the national team’s assistant head coach. He knows the game, has international experience and has been successful in the English county circuit so he is a good fit for the job.
He has won two County Championship titles which shows his leadership, tactics and dedication to be the best, it said.
PCB thinks with Azhar’s leadership the red ball team will keep getting stronger, disciplined and better internationally, it added.
Aaqib Javed, a former fast bowler and winner of 1992 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, was the red ball coach after Australian Jason Gillespie left late last year.
Mahmood’s first job is to prepare the team for the new ICC World Test Championship cycle. This includes a two match series against South Africa in Pakistan later this year.
