Azhar Mahmood Takes Charge as Acting Red-Ball Coach for Pakistan Cricket Team

Azhar Mahmood Appointed Acting Red-Ball Coach

On June 30, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the appointment of former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball coach for the national team. This decision comes after Jason Gillespie's unexpected departure from the coaching role, which was reportedly due to communication issues and exclusion from selection processes.

Coaching Changes and Challenges

Previously, Mahmood served as the assistant coach across all formats, collaborating with Gary Kirsten for ODIs and T20Is, and Jason Gillespie for Tests. However, both coaches have since left their positions due to disagreements with the PCB and selectors. Mahmood, who signed a two-year contract with the PCB in April 2024, is now stepping into this new role.

Following Gillespie's exit, Aquib Javed took over for the South Africa tour, where Pakistan faced a 0-2 defeat in the final leg of the World Test Championship. Gillespie's resignation and the team's whitewash against South Africa have raised concerns regarding the PCB's management, selection strategies, and overall clarity in all formats.

Mahmood's Tenure and Expectations

The PCB has confirmed that Mahmood will serve as the acting red-ball coach until his contract concludes in April 2026. The board expressed confidence in Mahmood's extensive knowledge of the game, international experience, and success in the English county circuit, which they believe make him an ideal fit for this role.

His credentials include two County Championship titles, highlighting his leadership skills and tactical expertise. The PCB is optimistic that under Mahmood's guidance, the red-ball team will enhance its strength, discipline, and performance on the international stage.

Upcoming Matches and Future Plans

Azhar Mahmood's appointment comes shortly after the PCB hired former New Zealand cricketer Mike Hesson as the limited-overs coach, replacing Gary Kirsten, who resigned after just six months due to a lack of control over the team.

Currently, Pakistan is not engaged in any Test series following their last match against South Africa in January. The team will focus on limited-overs cricket, starting with a T20I series against Bangladesh on July 20, followed by T20I and ODI series against the West Indies from August 1 to 12.

Pakistan will resume red-ball cricket in October with a two-match Test series against South Africa, who recently claimed their first World Test Championship title by defeating Australia. This series will mark the start of Pakistan's new WTC cycle.

In the previous WTC cycle, Pakistan struggled, finishing seventh on the points table with four wins, six losses, and four draws, resulting in a win percentage of 38.1 across 14 matches.