Former Pakistan Cricketer Akmal Blasts PCB Over Azhar Mahmood's Interim Coaching Appointment

Former Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal has launched a stinging critique of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its decision to appoint Azhar Mahmood as the interim coach of the Test team.

Pakistan Test cricket finished last in 2023-25 WTC cycle.

Akmal voiced his concerns on 'The Game Plan' podcast, stating, "I just don’t understand the logic behind this decision." He drew parallels to a previous controversial move, "It’s exactly like the time PCB made Mickey Arthur director of cricket while allowing him to continue working with a county team."

He emphasized his bewilderment, adding, "I couldn’t understand it then, and I can’t understand it now."

Azhar Mahmood, a former Pakistani all-rounder, is the seventh Test head coach appointed by Pakistan since 2021. He succeeds Aaqib Javed in the role.

Akmal criticized the frequent changes, "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.”

He further argued that these appointments indicate a lack of seriousness within the PCB. "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," Akmal stated.

With Azhar's appointment being temporary, Pakistan faces uncertainty as they begin the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. In the previous WTC cycle, they finished at the bottom, with only five wins in fourteen matches. After the series against Sri Lanka, they will tour England for a three-Test series – their only three-match series in this WTC cycle and their first Test tour of England since 2020.

Akmal concluded by questioning the purpose of an interim appointment, “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?”