Former Pakistan cricketer slams PCB over Azhar Mahmood’s appointment as interim Test head coach

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for appointing Azhar Mahmood as the interim head coach of the national Test team, calling the decision “illogical” and a sign of poor management.

Speaking on a YouTube show on Monday, Akmal said he was unable to understand the reasoning behind the appointment and compared it to the PCB’s previous controversial move of naming Mickey Arthur as director of cricket while he remained committed to county cricket in England.

“I just don’t understand the logic behind this decision,” Akmal said. 

“It’s exactly like when the PCB appointed Mickey Arthur while allowing him to continue working with a county team. I couldn’t understand it then, and I still can’t understand it now,” he added. 

Akmal blamed such inconsistent and short-term decisions for the ongoing decline in Pakistan cricket, adding that temporary roles like these have created long-term problems for the team.

“That role [Arthur’s] has continued and caused several issues in our cricket system,” he explained. 

“Now the same thing is happening with the interim coaching setup. Earlier it was Aaqib Javed, then Mohammad Hafeez, and now Azhar Mahmood. It just keeps changing,” he further explained. 

The former wicketkeeper-batter urged the PCB to adopt a more professional and long-term approach when making key appointments, instead of trying to please everyone.

“These decisions show a lack of seriousness. If the PCB starts thinking professionally, it won’t need to make temporary or compromised choices,” Akmal said.

He further claimed that the recent coaching appointment seemed more like a reward for loyalty than part of a proper plan for team development.

“Everyone’s being appeased, and now Azhar has also been rewarded. If you’ve made him head coach, then give him full time and responsibility. Otherwise, what’s the point?” he concluded.