Pakistan named Azhar Mahmood as new Test coach

Pakistan cricket team have zeroed in on Azhar Mahmood as the side’s new red-ball coach. The PCB’s decision comes after the removal of Jason Gillespie followed by Aaqib Javed deciding to step aside as head coach. Pakistan will take on South Africa in a two-match Test series later this year which will mark the start of their new World Test Championship cycle.

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.

It all started with the PCB giving all powers, including that of the coach and captain’s, to then selection chief Javed. This forced Gary Kirsten to first resign as white-ball coach followed by Jason Gillespie as red-ball coach. Both had been appointed to their positions not more than 9 months.

Earlier, reports stated that Javed was no longer interested in the role of a head coach, and instead was eyeing to become the high-performance director. Previously, Javed was given two tenure extensions by the PCB. One was until the end of ICC Champions Trophy and the other was till the end of the white-ball tour to New Zealand.

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