PCB brings in Azhar Mahmood as performing red-ball head coach

Former Pakistan cricketer Azhar Mahmood pictured throughout a coaching session. — PCB/File

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday introduced that it has appointed former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood because the performing red-ball head coach of the Pakistan Males’s staff.

Mahmood will serve on this position till the conclusion of his present contract in April 2026. Throughout this era, Pakistan is scheduled to play two Check sequence.

“A seasoned cricketing mind, [Azhar] Mahmood steps into the role with an impressive portfolio of experience. Having served as the assistant head coach of the national side, Azhar has long been a pivotal part of the team’s strategic core,” the PCB mentioned in a press launch highlighting Mahmood’s in depth teaching and enjoying expertise.

“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 PCB additional famous the previous cricketer’s in-depth understanding of the sport, alongside along with his worldwide expertise and confirmed monitor document in English-county cricket.

“His red-ball pedigree is underscored by two County Championship title — an achievement that speaks volumes about his leadership, tactical acumen, and unwavering commitment to excellence,” the assertion added.

The PCB has expressed confidence in Mahmood’s skill to guide the red-ball facet, stating that underneath his steerage, the staff is anticipated to develop in energy, self-discipline, and efficiency on the worldwide stage.

The 50-year-old signed a two-year contract with the PCB in April 2024 and had beforehand served as assistant coach.

Nevertheless, he was excluded from the teaching workers for the latest residence T20I sequence towards Bangladesh in Might, which Pakistan received 3-0, following the appointment of Mike Hesson because the white-ball head coach.

Sources point out that Hesson, who has ties with Islamabad United, was reportedly trying to convey members of the franchise’s teaching workers into the nationwide setup — prompting the PCB to briefly sideline Mahmood.

It’s pertinent to say that underneath Mahmood’s teaching, Pakistan will start their ICC World Check Championship (WTC) 2025–27 marketing campaign with a two-match Check sequence towards South Africa in October-November.

The nationwide staff will then tour Bangladesh for one more two-match Check sequence as a part of their WTC marketing campaign in March-April 2026. For the unversed, former Australian all-rounder Jason Gillespie was appointed as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach on April 28, 2024. 

After a 2-0 residence loss to Bangladesh and a 2-1 win over England, he resigned citing PCB communication points. 

Former quick bowler and 1992 ICC Males’s Cricket World Cup winner Aaqib Javed took over the position following Gillespie’s resignation.