Akmal Blasts PCB's Interim Coach Choice: Ex-Cricketer Questions Logic Behind Mahmood Appointment

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has launched a scathing critique of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the appointment of Azhar Mahmood as the interim coach of the Test team.

Pakistan's Test cricket performance in the WTC cycle.

Akmal voiced his concerns on 'The Game Plan' podcast on YouTube, stating, "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."

Azhar Mahmood, a former Pakistan all-rounder, becomes the seventh Test head coach for Pakistan since 2021, succeeding Aaqib Javed.

Akmal further elaborated, "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 believes that these frequent changes reflect a lack of seriousness within the PCB. "When the PCB starts thinking seriously and acting professionally, it won’t have to make such compromises or temporary appointments," Akmal added.

With Azhar's appointment being temporary, Pakistan is set to begin the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle under uncertain circumstances. In the previous WTC cycle, they finished at the bottom, securing only five wins in 14 matches. After the series against Sri Lanka, their next challenge is 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 questioned the rationale behind the interim appointment, saying, “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?”