Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has officially confirmed his interest in becoming the next head coach of the Pakistan national team, stating he will submit his application before the May 5 deadline. His bid marks a return to the national setup, this time in a top leadership role.
“I have gained a lot of experience while working as assistant and bowling coach of the Pakistan team in recent years,” Mahmood said, referencing his time alongside Mickey Arthur, Gary Kirsten, and Jason Gillespie.
His candidacy comes as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) struggles to find long-term stability in its coaching ranks, amid a revolving door of foreign appointments that have failed to stick.
Coaching turmoil forces PCB to rethink leadership strategy
The PCB has endured a coaching crisis since 2023, with a string of high-profile exits well before contracts were completed. Departing coaches include:
- Mickey Arthur
- Grant Bradburn
- Andrew Puttick
- Morne Morkel
- Tim Nielsen
- Simon Helmot
- Yasir Arafat
- Gary Kirsten
- Jason Gillespie
Notably, both Kirsten and Gillespie stepped down less than eight months into their two-year agreements, leaving the team’s direction in limbo. The PCB is now evaluating whether to appoint separate coaches for red and white ball formats or continue with a unified role.
Aaqib Javed named interim coach for New Zealand T20Is
With no permanent head coach in place, the PCB has appointed former fast bowler and current selector Aaqib Javed as interim coach for the upcoming T20I series in New Zealand. Javed brings prior coaching experience and is one of several local names frequently tapped by the board.
Other domestic coaching contenders include Mohammad Hafeez and Saqlain Mushtaq, the latter having already served in multiple coaching capacities, including interim head coach and bowling coach.
Mike Hesson emerges as top international candidate
On the international front, Mike Hesson has surfaced as the leading candidate. The former New Zealand coach and current Islamabad United leader in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is reportedly open to discussions this time, after turning down an earlier PCB offer due to scheduling conflicts.
Coaching decision expected soon ahead of Bangladesh series
With the international calendar filling up, the PCB is under pressure to finalize its coaching setup ahead of a five-match T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled for late May and early June. The board is also in the midst of recruiting a new Director of the National Cricket Academy, aiming to fortify its development system.
As Azhar Mahmood officially enters the race, the PCB faces a critical juncture in defining its cricket leadership—balancing international experience with local understanding, and short-term performance with long-term continuity.
