Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has come out in opposition to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) determination to nominate Azhar Mahmood because the interim head coach of the nationwide Check workforce, criticising the choice and saying it’s “illogical and reflective of poor administration.”
Mahmood will reportedly serve within the function “till the conclusion of his present contract”, possible till March 2026, after being appointed to the function of performing head coach of the Check workforce. He has been an assistant coach throughout all three codecs since April 2024.
Talking on the YouTube present The Recreation Plan podcast, Akmal mentioned, “I simply don’t perceive the logic behind this determination. It’s precisely just like the time PCB made Mickey Arthur director of cricket whereas permitting him to proceed working with a county workforce. I couldn’t perceive it then, and I can’t perceive it now.”
Azhar Mahmood is Pakistan’s seventh Check head coach since 2021, succeeding Aaqib Javed, who took over from Jason Gillespie. Akmal blamed Pakistan cricket’s ongoing decline on inconsistent selections, claiming that these appointments have brought about long-term issues.
Lack of Seriousness
“That function (Arthur’s) has continued, and it has introduced many points into Pakistan cricket. The identical factor is now taking place with the interim teaching setup. Earlier than this, it was Aaqib Javed, then Mohammad Hafeez and now Azhar.”
“These selections replicate an absence of seriousness. When the PCB begins pondering significantly and performing professionally, it gained’t should make such compromises or momentary appointments,” he added.
Former Pakistan head coach Arthur returned to the aspect in 2023 as workforce director, permitting him to proceed teaching Derbyshire in England whereas additionally working with Pakistan. Mahmood is just not anticipated to proceed as white-ball assistant coach whereas accountable for the Check workforce, and he was not a part of the teaching employees in Pakistan’s current white-ball collection with Bangladesh.
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“Everybody has been appeased, and now Azhar has additionally been rewarded. When you’ve made him head coach, then give him the total time and accountability. In any other case, what’s the purpose?” mentioned Akmal.