ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has expressed his interest in becoming the head coach of the national side, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) looks to appoint a new figure to this pivotal role.
Earlier this week, the PCB advertised vacancies for the head coach position as well as the role of Director of High Performance Centres on its official website.
Aaqib Javed recently served as the interim head coach of the Pakistan team, having carried out dual responsibilities as both selector and coach over the past six months.
Speaking to the media, Azhar Mahmood, who is currently serving as assistant coach of the national team, shared his aspirations for the head coach role.
“Absolutely, I intend to apply for the position of head coach of the Pakistan team. I’ve previously worked across five different leagues, and the plan behind working alongside Jason and Gary was to prepare for a future head coaching role,” Mahmood said.
Submitting application
He added, “I’ll be submitting my application, but ultimately the decision lies with the cricket board.
“If offered the role, I would gladly accept it. I’ve played contemporary T20 cricket across the globe. With the calendar now dominated by T20 fixtures, should the PCB give me the opportunity, I would take it.”
It is worth noting that Pakistan have had six different coaches over the past two years. Abdul Rahman served as an interim head coach, while Mohammad Hafeez took on the position of national team director.
During this period, Azhar Mahmood himself has filled in as interim head coach. Jason Gillespie was appointed as Test coach, and Gary Kirsten as head coach for the ODI squad.
