Azhar Mahmood Appoint as Pakistan Test Coach: Azhar Mahmood made a new Test caretaker coach of Pakistan cricket team

The PCB said that he would serve in this new role till the end of his current two -year contract, which he signed in April 2024. 50 -year -old Mahmood played 23 Tests and 143 ODIs for Pakistan between 1996 and 2007, in which he took 162 international wickets and scored more than 2400 runs in both formats.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said, “A veteran cricketing mind, Azhar Mahmood is stepping into an impressive experience in this role. After serving as the team’s assistant head coach, Azhar has long been an important part of the team’s strategic core. His deep understanding towards sports, international experience and proven success in English county circuit makes him extremely suitable for this position with proven success in the game.”

“His qualification of Test cricket can be understood by two county championship titles. An achievement that says a lot about his leadership, strategic skills. The PCB is confident that the Red-Ball team under Azhar’s guidance will continue to increase its strength, discipline and performance in the world.”

He is taking over from Aqib Javed, who was serving as a head coach in all formats after the Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie at the end of 2024. Earlier, New Zealand’s Mike Hessen took over from him in the formats of the white ball. He is the 10th head coach (both permanent and interim) since 2017, when Pakistan last won an ICC title. He served during a series against New Zealand in 2024.

His first assignment will be a tour of South Africa later this year. This is part of the new WTC cycle. Pakistan has not been able to reach close to the final in the last two editions and the ICC is at seventh position below Sri Lanka in the men’s Test rankings.