Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board over the appointment of Azhar Mahmood as the interim red-ball coach. Mahmood, who was already a part of the coaching staff, was promoted after ex-interim coach Aaqib Javed became the High Performance director. Kamran, who has been a vocal critic of the PCB’s policies in the past, claimed that the board lacked seriousness,
“What’s the point?”
In a video on his YouTube channel, Akmal said that he failed to understand the logic behind PCB’s move to make Mahmood interim coach. He compared the move to when the PCB decided to make Mickey Arthur the Director of Cricket while also allowing him to continue his County stint. He said that this had brought many issues to Pakistan and was now being replicated in the interim coaching setup.
“These decisions reflect a lack of seriousness. When the PCB starts thinking seriously and acting professionally, it won’t have to make such compromises or temporary appointments. Everyone has been appeased, and now Azhar has also been rewarded. If you’ve made him head coach, then give him the full time and responsibility. Otherwise, what’s the point?,” Akmal said.
Pakistan name new Test coach
Mahmood is no stranger to the Pakistan team, having served as batting, assistant and even a brief stint as head coach. Pakistan have kept up their reputations in terms of keeping the musical chairs around captain and coaches going for years now.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board today announces Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the Pakistan Men’s team. Azhar will serve in this role until the conclusion of his current contract,” a PCB statement read.
Pakistan Coaches after 2019 World cup
| Coaches | Duration |
| Misbah-ul-Haq | 2019–2021 |
| Saqlain Mushtaq | 2021–2023 |
| Abdul Rehman | 2023 |
| Grant Bradburn | 2023 |
| Mohammad Hafeez | 2023–2024 |
| Azhar Mahmood | 2024 |
| Gary Kirsten | 2024 |
| Jason Gillespie | 2024 |
| Aaqib Javed | 2024-2025 |
