Former All-Rounder Interested in Becoming New Pakistan Head Coach

Azhar Mahmood’s Strong Ties with Players Boost Head Coach Prospects

By DTD- On Apr 30, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan cricket team is on the lookout for a new head coach following confirmation that Aaqib Javed is set to move aside soon, and now Azhar Mahmood has thrown his hat in the ring to take over the mantle.

The former all-rounder has publicly confirmed his interest in becoming the next head coach of the Pakistan men’s national team, saying he will “definitely apply” for the role while speaking with PakPassion.

The 50-year-old has already served Pakistan in multiple coaching roles over the past decade, including as the team’s bowling coach, adding his name to what’s expected to be a competitive race as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finalizes its T20 World Cup roadmap

“I’m definitely going to apply for the Pakistan team head coach role,” Azhar said, signaling a strong desire to take an even bigger role in the national setup than the assistant coaching role he already occupies.

Azhar Mahmood’s credentials are hardly in question. A former seam-bowling all-rounder with over 140 international appearances, he transitioned seamlessly into coaching, becoming a respected figure in global T20 leagues and working with players across cultures and skill sets.

He’s currently a regular presence in coaching groups in leagues like the PSL, T20 Blast, and The Hundred, often seen guiding emerging pacers and plotting match-ups with a sharp analytical eye.

Perhaps Azhar Mahmood’s biggest asset that could help him land the head coaching role is his deep knowledge of Pakistan’s cricketing landscape. He’s worked with many of the current crop of players either during his stint with the national team or in domestic/franchise roles, including stars like Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Shadab Khan.

Azhar’s declaration comes at a time when the PCB is weighing its long-term coaching strategy after repeated failures. Mike Hesson is the odds-on favorite to be the next head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, but Azhar Mahmood is not out of the race given his many years spent with the coaching setup of the national side.

While other names are likely to generate more buzz, Azhar Mahmood represents a Pakistan-first candidate: experienced, tactically sharp, and already embedded in the country’s cricketing fabric.