The Pakistan Cricket Board has named Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach for the senior men’s side.
On June 30, the PCB named Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the Pakistan Men’s team. In a press release, they mentioned that Mahmood “will serve in this role until the conclusion of his current contract”.
Now 50, Mahmood will replace Aaqib Javed in the role. Aaqib had himself replaced Jason Gillespie, who had stepped down in end-2024.
Mahmood had earlier served the national side in various coaching roles, from bowling coach to assistant coach to a brief stint as head coach. The release mentions how, in that role, he “has long been a pivotal part of the team’s strategic core”.
Mahmood played for Pakistan between 1996 and 2007 alongside several other world-class all-rounders like, but not restricted to, Abdul Razzaq and Shahid Afridi. He had 900 runs and 39 wickets from 21 Tests, while his 143 ODIs fetched him 1,521 runs and 123 wickets. He had a long stint for Surrey, settled down in England, and became a sought-after coach after retirement.
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Between 2016 and 2019, Mahmood served as the bowling coach of the Pakistan national side. He coached several PSL franchises, and was named head coach of the national side before, for the New Zealand T20I series at home in 2024.
“His deep knowledge of the game, combined with hands-on international exposure and proven success in the English county circuit, make him exceptionally well-suited for this position,” added the PCB release.
“His red-ball pedigree is underscored by two County Championship titles – an achievement that speaks volumes about his leadership, tactical acumen and unwavering commitment to excellence. 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.”
