 has named Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the national men’s team.){kind=link}
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has turned to a trusted name once again, Azhar Mahmood. On Monday, the former all-rounder was officially named the acting red-ball head coach of the national men’s team.
While the role is temporary, at least until his current contract concludes, it’s a decision that reflects both continuity and confidence in someone who has quietly been a strategic pillar behind the scenes.
Back in the Mix
Azhar Mahmood isn’t new to this. He’s been part of the national coaching setup before, serving as an assistant coach under different regimes. Though he wasn’t part of the coaching panel for the recent Bangladesh series—where Mike Hesson took over white-ball duties—his name was always floating around the red-ball discussion.
Now, with the permanent head coach spot still vacant following Jason Gillespie’s resignation late last year, Azhar steps in to bring much-needed stability.
Why Azhar Mahmood?
This isn’t a token appointment or a stop-gap name. Azhar Mahmood brings serious red-ball credentials to the table. The PCB’s press release says it best:
“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.”
And they’re not exaggerating. Azhar’s two County Championship titles in England speak volumes. Anyone who’s followed the grind of English domestic cricket knows that those wins don’t come easy.
He’s a tactician, a motivator, and someone who understands the balance between old-school discipline and modern red-ball demands.
A Familiar Voice in the Dressing Room
What works in Azhar’s favour—beyond his cricketing résumé—is the fact that he’s already familiar with the players and the system. He’s not walking into a new dressing room; he’s walking back into one that knows him.
For a red-ball team that’s still looking to find its rhythm and identity post-Gillespie, this familiarity can be crucial.
While his current appointment isn’t labelled “permanent,” there’s enough trust in him to guide the ship for now.
The PCB, for its part, is hopeful:
“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.”
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