Former international all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who is representing Islamabad United in the inaugural HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), has been named as the new bowling coach of national team.
He will replace former leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, who is likely to join National Cricket Academy in capacity of Head Coach.
It has been learnt that Mushtaq told the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that he will not be able to continue working in the capacity of spin bowling coach due to personal commitments after which head coach Waqar Younis suggested the name of Azhar for the role.
The 40-year-old right-arm medium pacer confirmed that the board had approached him.
“The PCB contacted me to work with the national team and asked about my availability,” said Azhar.
“It would an honour to serve Pakistan cricket if I’m given the job.”
Azhar played 21 Tests for Pakistan in which he picked up 39 wickets and scored 900 runs with three centuries to his name.
Moreover, he claimed 123 wickets and scored 1521 runs in 143 ODI outings.
Last week Pakistan made four changes to their squad for this month’s Asia Cup followed by the World T20, including the axing of struggling opener Ahmed Shehzad after a poor run of form.
The 24-year-old Shehzad managed just 33 runs in Pakistan’s 2-1 T20I series loss in New Zealand last month and is one of four changes selectors made from the last tour.
Also out are Sohaib Maqsood, paceman Umar Gul and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan as chief selector Haroon Rasheed said the squad was selected after considering the conditions in Bangladesh and India, where the Asia Cup and the World T20 will be staged respectively.
“While picking the squad, the team management and skipper were consulted by the selectors, and all concerned gave their consent in this regard,” said Rasheed.
