Following Jason Gillespie\u2019s exit as Pakistan\u2019s red-ball head coach towards the end of last year, Aaqib Javed had taken over the role. But Mahmood, 50, now steps into the position following a long stint as Pakistan\u2019s bowling coach and later being the assistant head coach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHis deep knowledge of the game, combined with hands-on international exposure and proven success in the English county circuit, make him exceptionally well-suited for this position.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHis red-ball pedigree is underscored by two County Championship titles - an achievement that speaks volumes about his leadership, tactical acumen and unwavering commitment to excellence. The PCB is confident that under Azhar\u2019s guidance, the red-ball squad will continue to grow in strength, discipline and performance on the global stage,\u201d said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a statement on Monday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mahmood's first assignment as Pakistan\u2019s red-ball coach will be preparing the team for a two-match home series against current WTC winners South Africa, set to happen later this year. In the 2023-25 WTC cycle, Pakistan finished at the bottom of the standings with 27.98 points parentage \u2013 winning five Tests and losing nine games.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mahmood played 21 Tests and 143 ODIs for Pakistan and was a part of the squad finishing as runners-up at the 1999 Men\u2019s ODI World Cup, before retiring from international cricket in 2007. He was also Pakistan\u2019s bowling coach from 2016 to 2019 before his current stint with the national side began in April 2024.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mahmood's first assignment as Pakistan\u2019s red-ball coach will be preparing the team for a two-match home series against current WTC winners South Africa, set to happen later this year. In the 2023-25 WTC cycle, Pakistan finished at the bottom of the standings with 27.98 points parentage \u2013 winning five Tests and losing nine games.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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