The Pakistan Cricket Board’s recent appointment of Azhar Mahmood as the interim red-ball head coach has sparked discussion across cricket circles once more. As fans and analysts continue to debate the move, new details suggest there were also practical reasons behind the decision.
According to veteran sports journalist Mirza Iqbal Baig, the PCB’s decision to name Azhar Mahmood as the red-ball coach was driven by contractual obligations and not just his familiarity with the team. The former all-rounder’s existing contract is due to run until March next year. Had the board chosen to replace him outright, they would have been obligated to pay out the remainder of his contract in full—something the PCB wanted to avoid.
Azhar Mahmood, who has previously served Pakistan as bowling coach and worked extensively with franchise teams worldwide, was seen as a convenient, low-risk option during this period of transition. The Test team is currently in rebuilding mode after a disappointing finish in the last World Test Championship cycle, and the board has yet to confirm a permanent appointment for the role.
Pakistan’s new interim coach will likely oversee only two series during his tenure. Azhar Mahmood’s team will face South Africa in October, while his last series in charge is expected to be against Bangladesh in March next year. The PCB will then have to appoint a new head coach but will have until July, when Pakistan faces the West Indies, to finalise that decision.
Regardless of the circumstances of his appointment, Azhar Mahmood now faces the challenge of preparing the Test squad for their entry into the current World Test Championship cycle. With limited time to put his stamp on the team and prove his credentials, the coming months will be crucial for both his coaching reputation and the PCB’s vision for Pakistan cricket.
As Azhar Mahmood steps into the role, he does so knowing he has a chance to make the interim tag irrelevant—if he can deliver the consistency and progress Pakistan’s Test cricket has been crying out for.
