Azhar Mahmood appointed acting red-ball Head Coach

[MenInG]

Lahore, 30 June 2025:

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 seasoned cricketing mind, Azhar Mahmood steps into the role with an impressive portfolio of experience. Having served as the assistant head coach of the national side, Azhar has long been a pivotal part of the team’s strategic core. 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.

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.

-ENDS-

 

[sweep_shot]

He always seemed like a white ball specialist. So, surprised that he got the gig for red ball cricket.

All the best to Azhar Mahmood.

 

[pakistani pride]

LOL if red ball/Test cricket was not over for Pak, this is the final push for it.

 

[mominsaigol]

Var gei, another bottom wtc ranking coming up

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Awful choice. He has repeatedly fail to bring any good change out of the teams he's been incharge of.

 

[Rana]

What’s Rizwan? Acting Babar Azam?

 

[mominsaigol]

This is an awful decison as Pakistan's problem in test cricket is pace bowling + an outdated batting lineup.

Look at England's batting lineup in test?

Duckett, Crawley, Pope, Brooks and Jamie smith can end you in an instant, followed by root and stokes who play conventional test cricket and provide the perfect stability.

Meanwhile Pakistan top 1 to 6 is filled with Imam, Abdullah, Babar, Rizwan, Saud.

We only have 3 aggressive batters in saim, Shan and Agha however saim for some reason isnt playing test cricket according to his natural playstyle. Idk if management is botching it or if saim himself is incompetent.

Similarly Shan while aggressive cant hold his wicket for the life of him. And agha batting at no 7 doesnt help since hes a no 6 not a no 7.

Then bowling wise the likes of mir hamza, Shaheen, Khurram are dreadful. Abass is the only actual test pacer. Naseem isnt a test bowler either.

Azhar Mehmood is such a backwards approach its criminal.

 

[mominsaigol]

What’s Rizwan? Acting Babar Azam?

Acting t20 Bradman

 

[shah_1]

Rubbish choice with no results

 

[Rana]

Why are they reluctant to go with Misbah?

They are worried about him bringing in his mates?

 

[Vikram1989]

Does pcb have bi polar disorder?.one hand they select kirsten, Gillespie, hesson .on another hand they pick rubbish like azhar, aquib and online coaches.

 

[Professionalismandflair]

Azhar is rubbish. Part of the problem not part of the solution.

 

[Professionalismandflair]

Poor “throw downs” specialist

 

[Bhaijaan]

He's been part of the coaching set ups in the past as well. What was the feedback. Was he impressive.

 

[Bhaijaan]

What’s Rizwan? Acting Babar Azam?

Learn Marshal Mohammad Rizwan, the acting Chief of Learn.

 

[mominsaigol]

Why are they reluctant to go with Misbah?

They are worried about him bringing in his mates?

I dont think he'll be the worst test coach tbf. The only issue is misbah doesnt settle for one position.

He'll demand all format coaching and possibly a return to chief selector position.

I dont understand why pcb doesnt see the pattern.

Misbah as captain

1) Good home den test captain
2) Horrible overseas test captain
3) Horrible odi captain
4) Atrocious, putrid and dreadful t20 captain

Misbah as coach and selector

1) Good home den test coach
2) Horrible overseas test coach
3) Horrible odi coach
4) Atrocious, Putrid and dreadful T20 coach

Like just put 2 in 2 together .

 

[RehanG]

When uthana is your job.

 

[shaz619]

What’s Rizwan? Acting Babar Azam?

Until the end the process*

 

[shaz619]

He's been part of the coaching set ups in the past as well. What was the feedback. Was he impressive.

He made all the PCB recruiters a very nice cup of tea.

 

[shaz619]

I dont think he'll be the worst test coach tbf. The only issue is misbah doesnt settle for one position.

He'll demand all format coaching and possibly a return to chief selector position.

I dont understand why pcb doesnt see the pattern.

Misbah as captain

1) Good home den test captain
2) Horrible overseas test captain
3) Horrible odi captain
4) Atrocious, putrid and dreadful t20 captain

Misbah as coach and selector

1) Good home den test coach
2) Horrible overseas test coach
3) Horrible odi coach
4) Atrocious, Putrid and dreadful T20 coach

Like just put 2 in 2 together .

How is Misbah coming into this, is he rumoured to take over the red ball job?

Astagfirullah

 

[mominsaigol]

How is Misbah coming into this, is he rumoured to take over the red ball job?

Astagfirullah

Naw i doubt it.

 

[shaz619]

Learn Marshal Mohammad Rizwan, the acting Chief of Learn.

If Misbah returns, we can expect Babar & Rizwan to reunite as a pair in the lineup again.

 

[Shafi]

In PCB talents, skill or hard work doesn't matter. Since PCB chairman himself a parchi selection due to connection so as Azhar.

 

[Mohraheem]

LOL TO PEOPLE WHO THOUGHT IT WOULD BE TUKTUK MISBAH

 

[Ball Blazer]

If Misbah returns, we can expect Babar & Rizwan to reunite as a pair in the lineup again.

I had the same thought...

 

[Mohraheem]

I think pcb should make the rule of not hiring any of old fired ex employees for the job.

 

[shaz619]

Naw i doubt it.

I start to hyperventilate whenever Misbah’s name is mentioned; he’s like the Boogeyman that is teasing you from the closet; open just a crack:

‘Hahah Shazzy boy, 2007 never forget, 2011 never forget, Mohali forever Misbah forever.’

You can make a horror movie on this guy no lie.

 

[shaz619]

LOL TO PEOPLE WHO THOUGHT IT WOULD BE TUKTUK MISBAH

It would be like a third Eid for @Major

 

[mominsaigol]

I start to hyperventilate whenever Misbah’s name is mentioned; he’s like the Boogeyman that is teasing you from the closet; open just a crack:

‘Hahah Shazzy boy, 2007 never forget, 2011 never forget, Mohali forever Misbah forever.’

You can make a horror movie on this guy no lie.

Saw 11 Jigsaw vs Misbah

 

[shaz619]

Saw 11 Jigsaw vs Misbah

Misbah is literally the Pakistani Jigsaw, he has put us in his torturous designs since his involvement with Pakistan cricket; I am not sure if we’ve managed to escape just yet lol

 

[mominsaigol]

Misbah is literally the Pakistani Jigsaw, he has put us in his torturous designs since his involvement with Pakistan cricket; I am not sure if we’ve managed to escape just yet lol

Atleast jigsaw's games last anywhere from 1 minute to 2 hrs.

Misbah's games go on and on and on

 

[Markhor]

As long as we fail to develop a balanced attack capable of taking 20 wickets home and away (on pitches that aren't extreme dustbowls), it won't make a difference who the Test coach is.

 

[mominsaigol]

As long as we fail to develop a balanced attack capable of taking 20 wickets home and away (on pitches that aren't extreme dustbowls), it won't make a difference who the Test coach is.

We need a fitness coach first. None of these boys know how to bowl even 5 overs. Their so accustomed to t20 that that idea of bowling 10-25 overs is beyond their capacity.

 

[Hellion]

Decent appointment. Won't make much difference obviously but that's more because of the quality of players available for the format.

 

[Hyder]

M.Akram was bashed so much but i feel he had worse bowlers but still they bowled better under him as compared to new bowlers under azhar.
I hope i am proven wrong and he makes our pacers good again

 

[Major]

I start to hyperventilate whenever Misbah’s name is mentioned; he’s like the Boogeyman that is teasing you from the closet; open just a crack:

‘Hahah Shazzy boy, 2007 never forget, 2011 never forget, Mohali forever Misbah forever.’

You can make a horror movie on this guy no lie.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Misbah was a better choice.

 

[mominsaigol]

Misbah was a better choice.

Holy crap i misread the title .

I thought he was appointed as bowling coach bit its head coach .

Well, Time to finish at the bottom of the wtc table again 🫩

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Azhar Mahmood – PCB Coaching Roles

-Interim Bowling Coach – 2016
-Full-Time Bowling Coach – 2016–2019
-Interim Head Coach (T20) – 2024
-Assistant Coach – 2024
-Interim Red-Ball Head Coach – 2025

Not a single bowler was developed or even properly managed during all this time.

now wondering what we can expect from this stint now?

 

[mominsaigol]

Azhar Mahmood – PCB Coaching Roles

-Interim Bowling Coach – 2016
-Full-Time Bowling Coach – 2016–2019
-Interim Head Coach (T20) – 2024
-Assistant Coach – 2024
-Interim Red-Ball Head Coach – 2025

Not a single bowler was developed or even properly managed during all this time.

now wondering what we can expect from this stint now?

Bottom rank wtc table.

 

[moghul]

Another revolutionary step taken

 

[BouncerGuy]

PCB as usual... Making messy decisions that make no sense.

Mention a single bowler, single bowler that has been unearthed by Azhar. What was his role before?

Translator only.

Poor stuff...

 

[mominsaigol]

PCB as usual... Making messy decisions that make no sense.

Mention a single bowler, single bowler that has been unearthed by Azhar. What was his role before?

Translator only.

Poor stuff...

Now we will get the privilege to see zero batters being unearthed as well .

Honestly pcb is bi polar. All the execs are loony toons

 

[BouncerGuy]

Now we will get the privilege to see zero batters being unearthed as well .

Honestly pcb is bi polar. All the execs are loony toons

Red ball is done and dusted already for Pakistan. They just don't care.

 

[mominsaigol]

Red ball is done and dusted already for Pakistan. They just don't care.

They should. They have literally gotten the easiest access to wtc final? First of

1) Wi batting is dreadful and they lost to an already declining aussie team in their own den. A team without labu and smith? In fact Pakistan should be ashamed of drawing wi despite curating pitches designed for victory?

Why can't Pakistan put some spine into it and curate a uae pitch? Not a doctored pitch but a decent spinning pitch? Sajid and Noman will still outperform wi spinners and our batting is still > WI? Itna Khoof?

2) Now comes SA, yes their a strong team but thats no excuse to just back down and give up? Show some spine and teach the wtc champions why their out of their element in Asian conditions?

3) Now for Bangladesh and Wi: why can't we stamp our authority and butcher these 2 in their own dens? They aren't that strong?

4) Same case with Sri Lanka who are probably the weakest test bowling side on the planet and we already owned them in 2023? That too away? So why can't we own them at home?

England and NZ are the tough teams to beat but if we will complain about every single tough side then might as well just quit.

 

[Hellion]

Azhar Mahmood – PCB Coaching Roles

-Interim Bowling Coach – 2016
-Full-Time Bowling Coach – 2016–2019
-Interim Head Coach (T20) – 2024
-Assistant Coach – 2024
-Interim Red-Ball Head Coach – 2025

Not a single bowler was developed or even properly managed during all this time.

now wondering what we can expect from this stint now?

Huh? Shaheen and Hasan Ali emerged while he was the coach .

 

[Major]

Seems like Misbah was being given the job, but than Salman Agha dint want him and wanted Azhar, which is why this happened.

Fair enough, but now lets hope the captain wins us series under his preferred coach

 

[mominsaigol]

Seems like Misbah was being given the job, but than Salman Agha dint want him and wanted Azhar, which is why this happened.

Fair enough, but now lets hope the captain wins us series under his preferred coach

Under Gillespie we reached bottom of the table. Bro I told you Gillespie was a poor coach for Pakistan.

These aussie coaches aren't suitable for Pakistan regardless of their credentials. Aqib interfering is an excuse.

If he didn't then we may have seen a new record in test. Back to back triple centuries scored by Brooks lol.

With that being said I am not a fan of this decision. Azhar is a nothing coach.

 

[Mohraheem]

Seems like Misbah was being given the job, but than Salman Agha dint want him and wanted Azhar, which is why this happened.

Fair enough, but now lets hope the captain wins us series under his preferred coach

Misbah got hired* He demanded his son to be included in Asia cup. PCB laughed and fired him again lol

 

[BouncerGuy]

THREAD IS NOT ABOUT MISBAH SO STOP DERAILING THE THREAD.

 

[mominsaigol]

THREAD IS NOT ABOUT MISBAH SO STOP DERAILING THE THREAD.

It is bhai. Azhar was appointed due to Agha even though Misbah was originally given the job?

How is that not related?

 

[Ball Blazer]

Kamran Akmal does not seem happy with Azhar Mahmood's appointment as acting red-ball coach

“I just don’t understand the logic behind this decision,” Kamran Akmal said on a YouTube show after Azhar Mahmood's appointment as an acting red-ball coach.

“It’s exactly like the time PCB made Mickey Arthur director of cricket while allowing him to continue working with a county team. I couldn’t understand it then, and I can’t understand it now.”

“That role [Arthur’s] has continued, and it has brought many issues into Pakistan cricket,”

“The same thing is now happening with the interim coaching setup. Before this, it was Aaqib Javed, then Mohammad Hafeez and now Azhar.”

“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?”

 

[BouncerGuy]

It is bhai. Azhar was appointed due to Agha even though Misbah was originally given the job?

How is that not related?

Did Misbah told you that insider stuff????

 

[mominsaigol]

Did Misbah told you that insider stuff????

I'm going off ove comments presented brother

 

[Major]

Did Misbah told you that insider stuff????

Basit ali revealed this

 

[BouncerGuy]

All based on he said etc...

 

[mominsaigol]

All based on he said etc...

Doesn't make sense that he(Basit) would lie. Story is not interesting enough for someone to get clout

 

[BouncerGuy]

Doesn't make sense that he(Basit) would lie. Story is not interesting enough for someone to get clout

We don't on he said, I think etc.

Present facts and proofs only then we can talk about it.

 

[mominsaigol]

We don't on he said, I think etc.

Present facts and proofs only then we can talk about it.

Lol by this logic an entire thread was made regarding bumrah being absent from the 2nd test despite their being virtually no confirmation with management even claiming they will make a decision last minute..

Not everything can he 100% factual brother

 

[BouncerGuy]

Lol by this logic an entire thread was made regarding bumrah being absent from the 2nd test despite their being virtually no confirmation with management even claiming they will make a decision last minute..

Not everything can he 100% factual brother

You are saying that rashid said misbah said this bla bla... We cannot confirm if misbah really said or it is really about misbah or not...

Brining misbah in azhar mehmood thread makes zero sense atm...

 

[mominsaigol]

You are saying that rashid said misbah said this bla bla... We cannot confirm if misbah really said or it is really about misbah or not...

Brining misbah in azhar mehmood thread makes zero sense atm...

Oh bhai misbah nei kuch nahi kaha. Nor did I say anything rashid. Who is rashid?

You mean Basit Ali? Maybe turn on geo super channel(im assuming you're in Pakistan). Blame that TV channel, not me.

The channel even states Insider report by Basit Ali and Not inside rumor .

 

[mominsaigol]

Legal channel, Legal report, channel states insider Information provided.

But its just a rumor bro

 

[BouncerGuy]

Azhar is your coach... move on

 

[mominsaigol]

Anyway, Misbah should have been appointed for test coaching but I can understand why Agha went with Azhar.

You dont want a self obsessed taking over odi and t20 coaching role.

I have alot of respect for Agha and believe he is the man to captain and lead the side.

- Got rid of Babar
- Got rid of Rizwan
- Got rid of Misbah
- Appointed a dummy coach so he can have full control and revive Pakistan cricket.

Massive respect to Agha. I am glad I made a justice for Agha thread 1.5 years ago. We have finally found our new Sarfaraz Ahmed and this time we have a dummy coach rather then mickey messing it up. All hail Agha

 

[Ball Blazer]

Azhar Mahmood – PCB Coaching Roles

-Interim Bowling Coach – 2016
-Full-Time Bowling Coach – 2016–2019
-Interim Head Coach (T20) – 2024
-Assistant Coach – 2024
-Interim Red-Ball Head Coach – 2025

 

[Aqib_mustafa]

Anyway, Misbah should have been appointed for test coaching but I can understand why Agha went with Azhar.

You dont want a self obsessed Destroyer of cricket taking over odi and t20 coaching role.

I have alot of respect for Agha and believe he is the man to captain and lead the side.

- Got rid of Babar
- Got rid of Rizwan
- Got rid of Misbah
- Appointed a dummy coach so he can have full control and revive Pakistan cricket.

Massive respect to Agha. I am glad I made a justice for Agha thread 1.5 years ago. We have finally found our new Sarfaraz Ahmed and this time we have a dummy coach rather then mickey messing it up. All hail Agha

Agha is better talent than babar now bro i know people might argue on this but agha is excellent all round knows how to captain knows how to score tough runs all hail agha

 

[mominsaigol]

Agha is better talent than babar now bro i know people might argue on this but agha is excellent all round knows how to captain knows how to score tough runs all hail agha

No one except babar fan boys will argue against it.

Sadly he made his debut late and morons from pcb didnt utilise him until now. He is a far better batsmen then Hafeez, Afridi, Razzaq and Malik but he likely wont have the career that they had.

Otherwise Agha is a stokes and Maxwell level talent. Stokes and maxwell are much better though due to their mentality and their culture.

Pure talent wise agha is on their level.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Coaches at this level cannot make much of a difference anyway so I'd suggest mohsin naqvi to become an interim coach as well. A man of his talent, intellect, & ability is being wasted doing just 4 jobs (including his personal business) so I guess he can spare some time to be an interim coach for the greater good of the team & the great sporting nation that is Pakistan.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

This thread is about Azhar Mahmood so please stick to the topic and avoid derailing it.

 

[gazza619]

Suits us best. We have acting PM, acting judge, acting field marshall, acting president, acting chairman, acting doodh wala, acting akhbaar wala.

So why not acting coach.

 

[PakHammer]

I think it's an inferoity complex with Azhar and the PCB. As he has been in England for a long time, all the ex English cricketers say what a great bloke he is as he speaks decent English.

The PCB listen to them and appoint Azhar as red ball coach when he has shown very little in the coaching set up for Pakistan. I know it's temporary appointment until next year but we need to win our test matches at home later this year. Azhar has not shown he will be a winning test match coach for Pakistan. I hope I'm wrong.

 

[LordJames]

Lahore, 30 June 2025:

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 seasoned cricketing mind, Azhar Mahmood steps into the role with an impressive portfolio of experience. Having served as the assistant head coach of the national side, Azhar has long been a pivotal part of the team’s strategic core. 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.

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.

-ENDS-

What has Azhar done or achieved since 2016 to deserve this role?

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Azhar Mahmood – PCB Coaching Roles

-Interim Bowling Coach – 2016
-Full-Time Bowling Coach – 2016–2019
-Interim Head Coach (T20) – 2024
-Assistant Coach – 2024
-Interim Red-Ball Head Coach – 2025

Not a single bowler was developed or even properly managed during all this time.

now wondering what we can expect from this stint now?

Also served as IU Head coach and then assistant coach from 2022-2024

 

[dravidthewall]

From Gary Christian to azhar mehmood

 

[BouncerGuy]

I don't think it is gonna make much difference if he is a coach or not. He is here for a short stint but things will get interesting if PCB hires him permanently like for 3 years.

 

[Abid Z]

I think the clue is in the word “acting” it could mean a short term appointment or it could mean pretending to be head coach. Either way it’s obvious that with no test cricket for at least 6 months this is just a makeshift role until the serious business of test cricket begins in 2026. Regardless it’s clear that most foreign coaches can’t be based in Pak full time so might as well have a local coach who will just tinker round the edges.

Main structural problems exist such as developing 5-6 genuine young fast bowlers. The spin dept looks good. Some of the batting lineup just needs to click but this will be tested in upcoming matches.

 

[BouncerGuy]

According to reports:

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing a contractual dilemma with interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood, whose release would trigger a hefty severance payout of PKR 450 million (USD 160,000). Appointed by the previous management, Azhar earns PKR 7.5 million monthly, and his contract runs until April-May 2026.

The issue intensified when newly appointed white-ball coach Mike Hesson excluded Azhar from his preferred support staff. To justify retaining Azhar, the PCB named him interim Test coach, despite internal resistance, particularly from Aaqib Javed, selector and head of the national cricket academy, who reportedly disapproves of Azhar’s coaching style.

Azhar, dissatisfied with the board’s handling, expressed interest in coaching the junior team but was denied. This situation echoes past financial strains faced by the PCB when terminating contracts of mentors like Waqar Younis, Saqlain Mushtaq, Misbah ul Haq, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, following the discontinuation of the Champions Cup.

 

[Markhor]

According to reports:

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing a contractual dilemma with interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood, whose release would trigger a hefty severance payout of PKR 450 million (USD 160,000). Appointed by the previous management, Azhar earns PKR 7.5 million monthly, and his contract runs until April-May 2026.

The issue intensified when newly appointed white-ball coach Mike Hesson excluded Azhar from his preferred support staff. To justify retaining Azhar, the PCB named him interim Test coach, despite internal resistance, particularly from Aaqib Javed, selector and head of the national cricket academy, who reportedly disapproves of Azhar’s coaching style.

Azhar, dissatisfied with the board’s handling, expressed interest in coaching the junior team but was denied. This situation echoes past financial strains faced by the PCB when terminating contracts of mentors like Waqar Younis, Saqlain Mushtaq, Misbah ul Haq, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, following the discontinuation of the Champions Cup.

More petty politics. Can't these people stop squabbling for once and put Pakistan cricket first.

 

[Major]

According to reports:

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing a contractual dilemma with interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood, whose release would trigger a hefty severance payout of PKR 450 million (USD 160,000). Appointed by the previous management, Azhar earns PKR 7.5 million monthly, and his contract runs until April-May 2026.

The issue intensified when newly appointed white-ball coach Mike Hesson excluded Azhar from his preferred support staff. To justify retaining Azhar, the PCB named him interim Test coach, despite internal resistance, particularly from Aaqib Javed, selector and head of the national cricket academy, who reportedly disapproves of Azhar’s coaching style.

Azhar, dissatisfied with the board’s handling, expressed interest in coaching the junior team but was denied. This situation echoes past financial strains faced by the PCB when terminating contracts of mentors like Waqar Younis, Saqlain Mushtaq, Misbah ul Haq, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, following the discontinuation of the Champions Cup.

Im on Azhars side on this one.

If PCB signs a contract with you and than decides to sideline you. That is a good thing. Take all the money you are owned till the contract runs out.

Just find it stupid when the likes of Kirstein, Misbah and others decide to resign because they dont like something. Just take a free pay if pcb offers it to you