Azhar Mahmood hired as Pakistan’s bowling coach

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has hired the services of Azhar Mahmood as bowling coach for the national team prior to the Test series against New Zealand commencing November 17.

The former all-rounder, who played 21 Tests and 141 ODIs for Pakistan, has also coached the national team in the Asia Cup and World T20 held earlier this year. He had also assisted the national team in the limited-over series in England before ending his contract.

Talking to APP, a PCB official said earlier that Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur had recommended some other names for the job, but talks with them didn’t work out due to financial and availability issues. Therefore, the board decided to rope in Azhar for the job as he had previously worked with the national team.

“Azhar’s first task will be the Test series against New Zealand,” he said. “He was also to assist the team before the start of the Test series against the West Indies, but his contract wasn’t finalised then.”

Pakistan will play two Test matches against New Zealand, with the first one being played from November 17 to 21 at Christchurch, whereas the second one will kick-off on November 25 at Hamilton.

The team management for New Zealand tour:
1. Wasim Bari – Team Manager
2. Mickey Arthur – Head Coach
3. Grant Flower – Batting Coach
4. Steve Rixon – Fielding Coach
5. Azhar Mahmood – Bowling Coach
6. Grant Luden – Fitness Coach
7. Shahid Aslam – In-charge Tour Operations
8. Lt. Col. (R) Ahmed Eyaz – Security Manager
9. Shane Hayes – Physiotherapist
10. Talha Ejaz – Analyst

Source: The Express Tribune