Follow UsThe Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have appointed former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who made 164 international appearances for Pakistan and also 23 IPL appearances between 2012 and 2015, as the acting head coach for the Test side.
Mahmood will take over from Jason Gillespie, who quit as the Test side’s head coach in December last year after being ‘kept in the dark’ over major decisions by the board. The 50-year-old will serve as the acting head coach of the side until the conclusion of his current contract, the PCB confirmed.
“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. 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,” the PCB said in a release.
Pakistan finished bottom of the 2023-2025 WTC cycle, with a PCT of 27.98%. For the current cycle, Pakistan are scheduled to host South Africa, Sri Lanka and New Zealand at home, and play Bangladesh, West Indies and England away.