Azhar Mahmood possibly to join Pakistan as bowling coach

Mahmood, who is playing for Islamabad United in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), confirmed that the PCB had approached him asking his availability to join the team. The 40-year-old said that it would be an honour for him to give his services to the Pakistan cricket.

Karachi, Feb.19 (ANI): Former  Pakistan all-rounder  Azhar Mahmood is likely to join the national side as the new bowling coach. Mahmood is expected to replace former leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, who is reportedly considering a move to the National Cricket Academy as head coach. According to the Express Tribune, Mushtaq had informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that he would not be able to continue as the spin bowling coach. As a result, head coach Waqar Younis suggested the name of Mahmood for the same.

Mahmood, who is playing for Islamabad United in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), confirmed that the PCB had approached him asking his availability to join the team. The 40-year-old said that it would be an honour for him to give his services to the Pakistan cricket.

Azhar bagged 39 wickets and scored 900 runs in his 21 Tests for Pakistan. He also took 123 wickets and scored 1521 runs in his 143 ODI appearances

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.”

(With inputs from IANS)

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