Former Pakistan all-rounder showcases interest in Pakistan cricket team head coach position as PCB searches for new leadership

Azhar Mahmood

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Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has announced his intention to apply for the Pakistan cricket team's head coach position by the May 5 deadline, following the resignations of Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie last year. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently seeking a new head coach and Director of the National Cricket Academy after both foreign coaches departed less than eight months into their two-year contracts.The PCB has appointed selector Aaqib Javed as interim head coach until the T20 series in New Zealand.Azhar Mahmood stated he has "gained a lot of experience while working as assistant and bowling coach of the Pakistan team in recent years," having worked alongside Mickey Arthur , Kirsten, and Gillespie.Former test spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who has previous experience as interim head coach and bowling coach with the national team, is considered another strong candidate for future roles.New Zealand's Mike Hesson, currently coaching the undefeated Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League, is reportedly the front-runner for the head coach position. Hesson had previously declined the role two years ago due to other commitments.The PCB has not yet decided whether to appoint separate coaches for red and white ball teams or maintain a single coach for both formats.Pakistan's upcoming international season begins with a five-match T20 series against Bangladesh at home in late May and early June.Quiz: Who's that IPL player? The national team has experienced significant turnover in coaching staff since 2023, with several foreign coaches departing on less-than-ideal terms. These include Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, Andrew Puttick, Morne Morkel, Tim Nielsen, Simon Helmot, Yasir Arafat, Kirsten, and Gillespie.The board has also worked with local coaches, including Saqlain Mushtaq, Muhammad Hafeez, and Aaqib Javed, along with various local batting, bowling, and fielding coaches.

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