Azhar Mahmood has officially declared his interest in becoming the next head coach of the Pakistan national cricket team, positioning himself as a strong contender amid the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) ongoing search for a new coaching leader. With Aaqib Javed set to step aside from consideration, the coaching vacancy has drawn significant attention, and Mahmood’s candidacy adds a compelling local option to the mix.
The former Pakistan all-rounder, who played over 140 international matches, has already accumulated a wealth of coaching experience. His resume includes previous stints as the national team’s bowling coach, and he is widely respected across various international T20 leagues such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL), England’s T20 Blast, and The Hundred. Mahmood has earned praise for his tactical acumen and his work with both seasoned professionals and emerging talent.
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Azhar Mahmood’s deep connection to Pakistan’s cricket system could work in his favor. Having mentored many current national team players like Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Shadab Khan, he brings a hands-on familiarity with the team’s strengths and challenges. His presence in the domestic circuit and global T20 franchise setups has also helped him build a reputation as a coach who blends traditional insights with modern analytics.
As the PCB maps out its strategy ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, the decision on the head coach will be critical. While New Zealand’s Mike Hesson is reportedly a frontrunner, Mahmood’s candidacy offers a Pakistan-centric alternative. His declaration signals not just ambition, but a readiness to take on the responsibility of shaping the future of Pakistan cricket.
The PCB is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks, and with Mahmood’s name now officially in the running, the race for the coaching job is set to intensify.
