Akmal Slams PCB's Interim Coach Pick: Questions Logic Behind Mahmood Appointment

Akmal Blasts PCB's Appointment of Mahmood as Interim Test Coach

Former Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal has strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for appointing Azhar Mahmood as the interim coach of the Test team.

Pakistan's Test cricket performance was disappointing in the last WTC cycle.

Akmal voiced his disapproval on 'The Game Plan' podcast on YouTube, stating, "I just don’t understand the logic behind this decision." He drew parallels to the PCB's earlier decision to appoint Mickey Arthur as director of cricket while Arthur continued his work with a county team.

Akmal emphasized his confusion, stating: "I couldn’t understand it then, and I can’t understand it now."

Azhar Mahmood's appointment marks the seventh change in Pakistan's Test head coach position since 2021. He succeeds Aaqib Javed in this role.

Akmal further commented: "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 added: "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."

With Azhar's appointment being temporary, Pakistan faces a somewhat unstable start to the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. In the previous cycle, they finished at the bottom, securing only five wins in 14 matches. After their series against Sri Lanka, they are scheduled for a three-Test tour of England, their only three-match series in this WTC cycle and their first Test tour of England since 2020.

Akmal concluded: “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?”