Azhar Mahmood Archives

Azhar Mahmood’s coaching stint with Pakistan Test Team comes to an end

Former Pakistan all-rounder, Azhar Mahmood, has concluded his tenure with the national Test side as interim head coach, ESPNcricinfo reported on Tuesday.

Azhar was appointed acting head coach of Pakistan’s red-ball team in June, with his contract originally set to run until March 2026.

However, with no Test cricket scheduled until Pakistan’s away tour of Bangladesh in March–April next year, both parties have decided to bring the arrangement to an early close.

The decision draws the curtain on a longer association between Azhar and the national side.

He had initially joined the coaching setup in April 2024 as an all-formats assistant coach, working alongside Gary Kirsten with the white-ball teams and Jason Gillespie with the Test side.

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Following the early exits of both Kirsten and Gillespie, Azhar was elevated to the role of interim Test head coach.

During his brief spell in charge, Azhar Mahmood oversaw just one Test assignment, guiding Pakistan to a credible 1–1 home series draw against world Test champions South Africa.

“I was appointed by the PCB for a specific tenure, during which I carried out my responsibilities with professionalism and dedication,” Azhar told ESPNcricinfo.

“My contract has now come to an end, and I extend my best wishes to the team for their continued success in their future endeavours.”

This was Azhar’s second stint with Pakistan’s national team. He previously served as bowling coach during Mickey Arthur’s tenure between 2016 and 2019.

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Azhar Mahmood wary of Maharaj threat ahead of second South Africa Test

RAWALPINDI: Interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood has hailed South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj as a world-class spinner, emphasizing that his return will bring significant challenges for Pakistan.

Keshav Maharaj will make his return to the side after missing out in the first Test, and he will pose a threat to Pakistan batters; however, Mahmood braces for better execution and decision-making in the match.

“We’re playing against the best team and they’re obviously not going to take this lightly, they’ll give it their all to comeback; they were relying heavily on one of their spinners [Keshav Maharaj], who’s one of the best in the world. It’ll bring a lot of challenges for us.”

“We know what challenges will come, and we need to see how to tackle those. On the day, it’s all about execution and making the right decision when you bat, bowl, or field,” Azhar told reporters in a pre-match press conference.

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Azhar emphasized a dry Pindi pitch and hinted that the playing XI will be tweaked according to the surface.

“We will decide tomorrow morning about the playing XI. Currently, the pitch is looking on the dryer side, and there is a possibility of changes, “but not too many,” he remarked.

“It’s possible we go with a 3-1 combination [three spinners and one pacer], but it hasn’t been decided yet,” he said.

“With regards to the toss, we don’t want that the whole match is decided by the toss. Even, if we lose the toss, our aim is that even if we lose the toss, we try to make 350 (runs) in the first innings,” he continued.

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Azhar Mahmood also termed the process as key for winning the World Test Championship (WTC), stating that the players’ confidence is on the higher side.

“Obviously, we need to go step by step to reach there — you need to play in conditions abroad, play in the West Indies, Bangladesh, and England. So the process that I keep talking about, we need to take the matches one by one. With Test matches, we’ll take it session by session.

“This team has been playing for quite some time now, the boys’ morale is quite high, they knew it was important to win the match, and you saw the effort they put in. They’re confident, and they’re all getting along well and playing together. This is what a team needs to build up,” he concluded.

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‘Poor Shot selection cost us’: Azhar Mahmood reflects on Pakistan’s collapse

LAHORE: Pakistan interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood has lamented shot selection and decision-making in the opening Test against South Africa here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.

Pakistan were bundled out in the second innings for 167, courtesy of Senuran Muthusamy’s five-wicket haul.

The home side posted 378 in the first innings; but the most noticeable aspect was their tendency to lose wickets in clusters

Pakistan were cruising at 199-2 in the first innings, yet they lost three wickets without adding to the total and slumped to 199-5. The pattern followed in the later part of their innings.

Similarly, in the second innings, Pakistan were 150-5 and were bowled out, adding only 17 runs and losing six wickets.

The Proteas were 51-2 at stumps, still requiring 226 runs for victory with Ryan Rickelton making 29* from 76 with the aid of three fours while Tony de Zorzi, battling out for his 16* from 44 in challenging conditions.

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Speaking in the post-match press conference, Azhar remained hopeful of defending the target while lamenting poor shot selection and decision-making.

“We’re confident that we can defend this target. We’ve put ourselves in this position. I believe our shot selection and decision-making let us down at crucial moments,” he said.

“Throughout the match, we kept losing wickets in quick succession. The lack of partnerships really hurt us. Even when someone got a start, he couldn’t convert it into a big score. That’s an area we’ve discussed — we need to show better game awareness and adaptability,” he remarked.

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He emphasized adapting to the conditions and handling pressure, stating that in their team meetings, there has been talk regarding playing out sessions.

“Moving forward, our focus is on building partnerships and turning good starts into match-defining contributions. We tried our best, but at times we gave in to pressure instead of absorbing it.

“In our team meetings, we’ve acknowledged that we must be more disciplined in playing out sessions,” he concluded.

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‘Age is just a number’: Azhar Mahmood on Asif Afridi’s inclusion in Pakistan’s squad

LAHORE: Pakistan interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood has thrown his weight behind the inclusion of 38-year-old spinner Asif Afridi in the squad for the South Africa series.

Pakistan’s interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood has thrown his weight behind the inclusion of 38-year-old left-arm spinner Asif Afridi in the squad for the South Africa series.

Initially, Pakistan named an 18-member squad for the two-match Test series, including three uncapped players, Rohail Nazir, Faisal Akram, and Asif Afridi. However, the team was trimmed to 16, releasing Aamir Jamal and Faisal Akram.

Notably, the question arose on Asif’s inclusion in the squad, with critics citing his age.

Asif Afridi topped the bowling chart in the recently concluded Hanif Mohammad Trophy, where he picked up 33 wickets in just five matches at an impressive average of 12.55 including five three wicket hauls.

Azhar, addressing the media, dismissed the notion of the spinner being an outlier in the squad, citing his past two years’ performances.

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“He is part of our squad, and he is not selected just to do nets. I don’t know who is objecting,” he said when asked about Asif Afridi’s inclusion.

“If you look back at his performances over the past two years — he took 53 wickets last year and 27 this year, making it 80 in total. I don’t understand what the objection is about. Obviously if someone points out his age, then ‘age is just a number’,” he continued.

He also mentioned South Africa’s 36-year-old Simon Harmer, emphasizing his 20 wickets in a Test match, alongside mentioning concussion protocols.

“South Africa has also included Simon Harmer, who is 37 or 38 years old. You need to consider how you will take 20 wickets and who’s capable of doing that. We wanted experience, and keeping concussion protocol in mind, you have to see who can provide that option.

Azhar lauded Asif Afridi’s bowling and concluded with best wishes for the bowler. “He is a wonderful bowler and have a bright future.”

The first Test between Pakistan and South Africa will begin on October 12 at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

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Former cricketer questions Azhar Mahmood’s appointment as interim coach

Former wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has come down hard on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over its latest move to name Azhar Mahmood as the interim head coach of the national red-ball side.

The PCB, on Monday, announced that the former all-rounder would take over as the acting red-ball head coach for the national team until the end of his current contract.

Mahmood, who has previously served as assistant coach, steps in as the latest addition to what has been a revolving door of coaching appointments.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kamran Akmal expressed his frustration with the decision, likening it to the board’s much-debated move of appointing Mickey Arthur as team director while he continued his county commitments.

“I just don’t understand the logic behind this decision,” Akmal said bluntly.

“It’s the same as when they made Mickey Arthur director of cricket but allowed him to work in county cricket. That didn’t make sense then, and this doesn’t make sense now.”

Akmal pointed to the instability such ad-hoc appointments have caused within Pakistan cricket and argued that this trend of temporary arrangements is contributing to the team’s ongoing struggles.

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“Arthur’s appointment opened the door to problems in Pakistan cricket, and we’re seeing the same pattern now,” he added.

“Later it was Mohammad Hafeez, then Aaqib Javed, now Azhar Mahmood, it’s a cycle that keeps repeating.”

Urging the PCB to make long-term, professional decisions, Kamran Akmal warned against a ‘please-all’ approach that, in his view, rewards loyalty over merit and vision.

“These are not the signs of a serious setup. When the PCB starts acting professionally, it won’t need to resort to such compromises or patchwork appointments,” he said.

He also questioned whether Azhar’s appointment was more about ticking boxes than building a stable coaching structure.

“Everyone’s been accommodated at some point, and now Azhar has also been rewarded,” Akmal remarked.

“If you’re going to make him the head coach, then give him the full-time role with proper authority. Otherwise, what’s the point?”

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Azhar Mahmood appointed as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Monday, announced former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the national men’s team.

Azhar will serve in this role until the conclusion of his current contract. It’s worth noting that he previously served as an assistant coach for the national side.

However, he was not part of the coaching panel for the Bangladesh series following Mike Hesson’s appointment as the white-ball head coach.

“A seasoned cricketing mind, Azhar Mahmood steps into the role with an impressive portfolio of experience,” the PCB stated in a press release.

“Having served as the assistant head coach of the national side, Azhar has long been a pivotal part of the team’s strategic core.

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“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.

“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.”

It’s worth noting that the cricket board was looking for a permanent head coach for the red-ball team since the resignation of former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie in late 2024.

Following his departure, the PCB named former fast bowler Aqib Javed as interim head coach for the two-match Test series against South Africa, which ran from December 20, 2024, to January 7, 2025.

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Former all-rounder eyes Pakistan head coach role

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has demonstrated interest in becoming the head coach of the national team as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seeks to fill this key position.

A few days earlier, PCB had advertised the post for a new coach, along with the position of Director of High Performance Centres, on its website this week.

Aaqib Javed recently served as the interim head coach of the Pakistan cricket team. He had been performing dual roles as both selector and coach for the past six months.

While speaking to a digital platform, the current assistant coach of the Pakistan team, Azhar Mahmood, opened up on the national team’s coaching role.

“Definitely, I’m going to apply for the Pakistan team head coach role. Previously, I was working for five different leagues. The idea of working with Jason and Gary was to take the role of head coach, moving forward, “Azhar Mahmood stated.

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He further said, “I will apply, and at the end of the day, it’s on the cricket board they will decide.

“If given the opportunity, I would eagerly accept it because I have played modern T20 cricket around the world. The entire year is packed with T20 matches, and if the PCB offers me a chance, I will certainly seize it.”

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It is worth mentioning that over the past two years, the Pakistan team has had six different coaches. Abdul Rahman served as the interim head coach, while Mohammad Hafeez held the position of national team director.

During this time, Azhar Mahmood also acted as an interim head coach. Jason Gillespie was the head coach for the Test team, and Gary Kirsten took on the role of head coach for the ODI team.

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Former chief selector wants PCB to sack ‘incompetent’ Azhar Mahmood

Former Test cricketer and chief selector Salahuddin Sallu has commended PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his recent efforts, while also calling for the removal of Azhar Mahmood as assistant coach of the men’s national team.

During an interview with a local news channel, the former chief selector appreciated Naqvi for his recent decisions to get Pakistan cricket back on track.

“I admire the efforts being made by PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi to bring our cricket at par with the international standards. Those who have seen the Pakistan cricket team ruling world cricket in the past or have remained attached to Pakistan Cricket in any capacity are keen to see the revival of that era,” Sallu said.

For the unversed, following Pakistan’s two consecutive defeats in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, PCB Chairman Naqvi hinted at a major surgery in the team.

The Green Shirts were knocked out of the tournament from the group stage, after which the former player Wahab Riaz was removed from his position as the senior team manager as well as a member of the selection committee.

Former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq was also removed from the selection committee, while team manager Mansoor Rana was also sacked.

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PCB later announced a revamped selection committee, featuring former players Mohammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq along with the head coach and captain of the respective formats.

The cricket board also announced the introduction of a strict zero-tolerance policy for disciplinary infractions, with a renewed focus on players’ physical fitness and their involvement in domestic cricket.

Sallu heaped praise on the PCB chairman, welcoming the above-mentioned steps, and expressing hope that they will help in improving Pakistan’s cricket.

“Revamping of the selection committee, dismantling the player power, uplift of the infrastructure and making the domestic cricket appearances mandatory for all players are all excellent steps taken by Mr. Naqvi recently. They will, Inshallah, bear fruit very soon,” he stated.

However, he also urged the chairman to remove Azhar Mahmood, calling him incompetent for the job of Pakistan’s assistant coach.

“Azhar [Mahmood], in my opinion, does not deserve to be the team’s coach as he is not competent for the job and has failed to deliver whenever given the opportunity to serve Pakistan Cricket,” he said.

“I remember how PSL franchise Islamabad United sacked Azhar during the PSL 8 season which is a clear indication of his inability to motivate the players or help them overcome their shortcomings,” he concluded.

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Gary Kirsten, Azhar Mahmood reach Pakistan to consult PCB Chairman

Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood have reached Lahore on Monday.

The two coaches will meet the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi to analyze and discuss the various factors contributing to the team’s disappointing performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Additionally, they will deliberate on strategies and future plans to steer the team in a more positive direction.

Along with Gary Kirsten and Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan’s red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie is also set to reach Lahore today.

Moreover, Mohsin Naqvi will also be meeting former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and other former cricketers to discuss the ongoing issues of the national men’s cricket team.

It is pertinent to mention Naqvi recently shared that former players will make the decision regarding the future of white-ball captain Babar Azam.

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“No decision [on captaincy] has been taken so far related to Babar Azam,” said the PCB chief, adding that he is seeking advice from former cricketers on how to improve cricket in Pakistan.

“I’m only speaking to those former cricketers who are interested in the betterment of Pakistan cricket,” he added.

The Babar Azam-led Pakistan team were knocked out from the group stage of the T20 World Cup, majorly because of their upset defeat against the USA, followed by a gut-wrenching defeat against arch-rivals India.

The back-to-back defeats had put Pakistan on the verge of an early exit from the tournament while the abandonment of the crucial group-stage fixture between the USA and Ireland officially marked the end of their campaign in T20 World Cup 2024.

The Green Shirts’s next assignment is a two-match home Test series against Bangladesh and Sarfaraz Ahmed is expected to be part of the series.

READ: Pakistan beat England to reach World Championship of Legends semi-finals

Azhar Mahmood to pursue legal action over false allegations

Pakistan men’s cricket team’s assistant coach Azhar Mahmood announced that he will be taking legal action over false allegations about him in the aftermath of the Green Shirts’ dismal T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.

The former all-rounder took to his official X (formerly Twitter) and vehemently denied the accusations that the families of the national team’s players and coaching staff travelled to the United States of America (USA) at the expense of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“This culture of falsely accusing and misleading people to believe a false narrative is now getting ridiculous and dangerous. Speaking without evidence and misconstruing facts is a criminal offence, and those engaging in such behaviour will be dealt with through legal action,” Azhar Mahmood posted.

My Statement on False Allegations & Legal Action. pic.twitter.com/UQiWoOFZzP

— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) June 22, 2024

He expressed his disappointment over people spreading false news to attract social media followers and media attention. He also vowed to take strict legal action against those involved in making false accusations towards him and his family.

“Pursuing an increase in followers and media attention by spreading falsehoods is downright unacceptable,” he added.

“I will be pursuing legal advice against those responsible for making these false allegations towards me and my family, and strict action will be taken accordingly. We will not be discussing this matter further on social media.

“I urge everyone to avoid engaging with or entertaining these harmful narratives as it is essential to put an end to such behaviour in our media culture.”

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