Azhar Mahmood named Pakistan’s acting red-ball head coach ahead of crucial home test series
Azhar Mahmood has been appointed as Pakistan’s acting red-ball head coach ahead of the new ICC World Test Championship cycle. His first assignment will be the home Test series against South Africa later this year.
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In a fresh development ahead of Pakistan’s new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the acting head coach of the men’s red-ball team. The appointment comes following the exit of Australian Jason Gillespie, with Mahmood stepping up after previously serving as the team’s bowling coach and assistant head coach.
A familiar face within the Pakistan setup, Mahmood brings both continuity and experience. His stint as a player saw him feature in 21 Tests and 143 ODIs for Pakistan, and in the years following retirement, he carved out a respectable coaching career, most notably with Pakistan and several T20 franchises globally.
"A seasoned cricketing mind, Azhar Mahmood steps into the role with an impressive portfolio of experience," the PCB said in an official statement. “His deep knowledge of the game, combined with hands-on international exposure and proven success in the English county circuit, makes him exceptionally well-suited for this position.”
The statement also highlighted Mahmood’s domestic red-ball success in England, where he clinched two County Championship titles, an achievement that speaks to his understanding of long-format cricket and leadership.
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Azhar Mahmood’s Interim Stint Begins with South Africa Challenge in New WTC Cycle
Former pacer and 1992 World Cup winner Aaqib Javed had been filling in on an interim basis after Gillespie’s departure last year. With Mahmood’s elevation, Pakistan hopes to adopt a more structured approach as it builds towards a new WTC campaign.
Mahmood’s first big challenge will be a home Test series against South Africa later this year, marking the beginning of Pakistan’s journey in the new WTC cycle. The two-match series promises to be a stern test for a team in transition, but one that the PCB believes Mahmood is well-equipped to handle.
"The PCB is confident that under Azhar’s guidance, the red-ball squad will continue to grow in strength, discipline, and performance on the global stage,” the statement concluded. With a blend of modern tactics and traditional red-ball sensibility, Mahmood's tenure, though interim, could shape the direction of Pakistan's Test cricket in the years to come.
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