PAK vs NZ: Azhar Mahmood Confirms He Was Approached By The PCB To Be Pakistan's Head Coach

Former Pakistan National Cricket Team player Azhar Mahmood has confirmed the reports and rumors that he was asked by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to be the head coach for the national team for a couple of series.

Azhar has experience coaching in the Pakistani setup. He was the bowling coach for the side in 2016. He has also acted as the bowling or head coach for multiple franchises in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He is currently involved with Surrey County Cricket Club (SCCC) in the English County Championship.

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In a recent interview, Azhar Mahmood revealed that he was approached to be Pakistan’s head coach for the recent series against Afghanistan, and the upcoming ODI and T20 series against New Zealand.

Also read: PAK vs NZ: “I Am Ready To Play Any Role For Pakistan Team” – Saim Ayub Says Ahead Of The T20I Series Against New Zealand

“They (PCB) called me and asked me we would like you to have these two series as head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, so I said my commitment is with Surrey so let me find out with Surrey first. I am not sure they will allow me to do the New Zealand job – the New Zealand series – but you know I can do this (Afghanistan) series,” he told.

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The ex-all-rounder went on to reveal that the PCB was okay with him doing just the Afghanistan series, but they ended up going with Abdur Rehman as the interim coach. The post is now held by Grant Bradburn.

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Azhar Mahmood thinks that PCB might not have a long-term plan for the coach

Saqlain Mushtaq was the head coach of Pakistan for a few years. But as 2022 came to a close, so did his tenure. Abdur Rehman was then named the interim coach, followed by another interim coach Grant Bradburn.

With all that said, Azhar Mahmood believes that PCB might not have a long-term plan for a coach.

“There were no long-term plans; they were short-term- series by series thing. For me, because I have got my own commitments, and as you know, I am still with Surrey, and season has already started,” he said.

Also read: PAK vs NZ: Pakistan Announce Extension In Coaching Staff For New Zealand Series

Such a turnaround in a crucial spot for a national team is not the best sign, especially in a World Cup year. We shall see where the Pakistani team stands when they take on New Zealand in two series later this month.

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