Published: Feb 25, 2016, 04:22 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 25, 2016, 04:22 PM (IST)
Karachi: Former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood was on Thursday appointed as Pakistan‘s interim bowling coach for the ongoing Asia Cup and next month’s World T20. He is expected to join the squad in Dhaka on Thursday evening. Mahmood replaces former leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed for the two competitions, said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Ahmed has been rested but is expected to take over again ahead of the England tour in June in 2016. “Mushi [Mushtaq] has been rested for two events as he was too fatigued. Azhar is a good replacement for the interim, being a T20 specialist. He will join the squad later this evening,” Pakistan’s team manager Moin Khan was quoted as saying by espncricinfo. Azhar Mahmood possibly to join Pakistan as bowling coach
The 40-year-old has been playing domestic cricket since his last international match in 2007. He has had vast experience in this format and featured in 225 T20 matches playing for various clubs and franchises in Pakistan, England, India, Bangladesh, West Indies and New Zealand. He has also enjoyed minor coaching roles in private clubs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and England.
Earlier, Azhar Mahmood was on Wednesday named English county cricket club Surrey’s new player-coach. In his new role, the 40-year-old will arrive in mid-May and work alongside the coaching staff, as well as being available for the club’s T20 fixtures. Azhar said in a statement: “It’s great to be coming back to Surrey CCC again this summer. Having played all around the world, the atmosphere on a Friday night at the Kia Oval ground is something special and I can’t wait to be back. To be given the opportunity to coach as well as play is something I’m very excited about.”
