“I just don’t understand the logic behind this decision” - Kamran Akmal slams PCB for appointing Azhar Mahmood as new head coach

Former Pakistan keeper-batter Kamran Akmal has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its decision to appoint Azhar Mahmood, the former Pakistan all-rounder, as the new head coach of the Pakistan red-ball team.

Akmal termed the PCB’s decision as illogical and reflective of poor management. It’s important to note that Azhar emerged as Pakistan’s seventh head coach in the longest format of the game since 2021.

“I just don’t understand the logic behind this decision. It’s exactly like the time PCB made Mickey Arthur director of cricket while allowing him to continue working with a county team. I couldn’t understand it then, and I can’t understand it now,” Kamran Akmal said on his YouTube channel.

It’s worth noting that Mahmood will serve in the head coach role until the conclusion of his current contract, which is likely to end in March 2026. Earlier, he was the assistant coach across all three formats since April 2024.

Notably, Mahmood succeeded Aaqib Javed, who took over from Jason Gillespie. Furthermore, Akmal also slammed PCB’s inconsistent and illogical decisions, which aren’t helping the national team in any capacity. 

“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,” he stated.

Importantly, former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur had a dual role as Pakistan team director of cricket and also simultaneously coached Derbyshire in County Cricket at the same time. 

“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?” said Akmal.

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