PCB appoints Azhar Mahmood as Pakistan bowling coach

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed to acquire services of former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as bowling coach of Pakistan cricket team, this time for a longer stint.

Azhar, who previously had two short stints with the team during World T20 and England tour, has been appointed as bowling coach for two years.

Although the PCB has yet to make an official announcement, multiple sources have confirmed Azhar’s appointment ahead of the team’s tour to New Zealand for two-match series.

“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,” a source told Geo.TV.

“He will formally join the team ahead of Pakistan’s Test series against New Zealand,” the source 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 limited over series against England in England but was backed by players and other coaching staff.

The former all-rounder will also join Karachi Kings as coach for the second edition of Pakistan Super League.