This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Insider reveals PCB is eyeing to release former Punjab Kings star, but are forced to keep him because of…
The Pakistan Cricket Board is looking to release Azhar Mahmood- their interim red-ball coach- but are restrained by a contract deal.
Last Updated on - July 19, 2025 3:33 PM IST
Azhar Mahmood
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is eyeing to release the interim red-ball coach and a former Indian Premier League (IPL) player Azhar Mahmood, but are forced to keep him on his place because of a contract signed with him by the previous management, says an insider.
Azhar Mahmood played for Kings XI Punjab (now known as Punjab Kings) in the IPL 2012 and 2013, and joined the Pakistan Cricket Board as the interim red-ball coach on 30th June 2025.
The source stated that if Azhar Mahmood is removed before the end of his contract, the PCB will have to compensate him with six months’ salary- which turns out to be a payment of approximately PKR 450 million (160,000 USD).
TRENDING NOW
“Which is why the PCB recently named him as interim head coach of the national red-ball team until his contract expires next year in April-May. The problem arose when Mike Hesson, the recently-appointed white-ball head coach made it clear he would have his own support staff and Azhar was not among his selections,” the insider said.
As per the information from the insider, PCB is paying Azhar a salary of approximately PKR 7.5 million (approx 26,000 USD) per month. “This left the PCB with a major problem of how to utilise Azhar’s expertise to justify paying him such a handsome salary, as even if they wanted they couldn’t release him without the six months of compensation.”
Speaking about Azhar Mahmood, he himself is not happy with how things are going on in the board, and despite numerous requests to be assigned with the national junior team, he has had to face resistance from some of the insiders in the PCB. “(Former pacer) Aaqib Javed, who is now a selector and head of the national cricket academy and close to the board chairman, is not impressed with his (Azhar’s) coaching style. But to justify his contract for the time being, they have named him as interim head coach of the Test side.”
Azhar has been associated with the Pakistan senior squads in various coaching capacities, including assistant and bowling coach, for a number of years and was given his current contract by the previous management of the board.
(Written with inputs from Press Trust of India)