Azhar hired as Pakistan’s bowling coach for two years

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has hired the services of former Test all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the bowling coach for the national team ahead of the two-Test series against New Zealand beginning November 17.

Azhar, who played 21 Tests and 141 ODIs for Pakistan, coached the national team in the Asia Cup and World Twenty20 earlier this year. He also assisted the national team in the limited overs series in England after which his contract ended.

According to reports, Pakistan’s head coach Mickey Arthur had recommended some foreign coaches for the job of bowling coach but talks with them didn’t work out due to financial and availability issues.

Quoting an unnamed official, a report said that the PCB decided to rope in Azhar for the job as he had already worked with the national team. “Azhar’s first task will be the Test series against New Zealand starting from November 17,” the official was quoted as saying.

He said earlier Azhar was to assist the team before the start of the Pakistan-West Indies Test series but the finalisation of his contract took longer than anticipated.

He added that no other local or international coach was contacted besides Azhar for the job. Pakistan will play two Tests against New Zealand. The first Test will be played from November 17 to 21 in Christchurch while the second Test will be held from November 25 to 29 in Hamilton.

Azhar’s tenure will of two years.

“Azhar has agreed for a two-year stint with Pakistan cricket team, he will be joining the squad in UAE in a day or two,” another report said.

“He will formally join the team ahead of Pakistan’s Test series against New Zealand,” it added.

The agreement between Azhar and PCB is for two years, but both the parties can review it with mutual consent after one year.

Azhar faced criticism back home after bowlers failed to deliver during Pakistan’s ODI series against England in England but was backed by players and other coaching staff.

The former all-rounder will also join team Karachi Kings as the coach for the second edition of Pakistan Super League, during his stint as Pakistan’s bowling coach.