Former KKR player Azhar Mahmood appointed as Pakistan Red Ball Acting Coach

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the men's national team. As per an official release, Mahmood "will serve in this role until the conclusion of his current contract."

He steps into the role vacated by Aaqib Javed, who had taken over following the PCB's decision to relieve Jason Gillespie of his Test coaching duties at the end of 2024.

Now 50, Mahmood brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously worked with the national team in several capacities - including as bowling coach, assistant coach, and briefly, as head coach. The PCB highlighted that Mahmood "has long been a pivotal part of the team's strategic core."

A seasoned international all-rounder, Mahmood represented Pakistan between 1996 and 2007. In a career that saw him play alongside the likes of Abdul Razzaq and Shahid Afridi, he amassed 900 runs and took 39 wickets in 21 Test matches. In ODIs, he made 1,521 runs and claimed 123 wickets across 143 appearances. Beyond the international stage, Mahmood had a prolonged and fruitful stint with Surrey in English county cricket, and also featured in the Indian Premier League, turning out for Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab).

His coaching résumé includes a term as Pakistan's bowling coach between 2016 and 2019, and multiple roles in the Pakistan Super League. In 2024, he briefly assumed head coach responsibilities for the home T20I series against New Zealand.

"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 stated.

"His red-ball pedigree is underscored by two County Championship titles - an achievement that speaks volumes about his leadership, tactical acumen and unwavering commitment to excellence. 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."