PCB shortlists coaches for fielding, strength and conditioning roles

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a key step toward strengthening the national men's team's support staff by shortlisting candidates for two important coaching roles—fielding coach and strength and conditioning coach—sources revealed on Wednesday.

According to details, the list includes both local and foreign coaches. However, the PCB is reportedly more inclined to appoint a foreign coach for the strength and conditioning role.

Among the top names under consideration for that position are Shane McDermott and Grant Luden. Notably, Luden previously served as Pakistan’s fielding coach during the 2015 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and has experience working with the national setup.

This development comes just a day after the PCB officially announced former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the national team. His appointment runs until April 2026, covering two major Test series.

In a statement, the PCB highlighted Mahmood’s credentials and extensive involvement in Pakistan cricket, both as a player and as part of the coaching staff.

“A seasoned cricketing mind, Azhar Mahmood steps into the role with an impressive portfolio of experience. Having served as the assistant head coach of the national side, Azhar has long been a pivotal part of the team’s strategic core,” the PCB said in a statement.

“His deep knowledge of the game, combined with hands-on international exposure and proven success in the English county circuit, makes him exceptionally well-suited for this position,” the statement added.

Under Mahmood’s leadership, Pakistan will kick off their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 campaign with a two-match Test series at home against South Africa, scheduled for October-November 2025.

Following that, the team will travel to Bangladesh for another two-match Test series in March-April 2026, continuing their WTC journey.