Kamran Akmal Blasts PCB Over Azhar Mahmood's Interim Test Coach Appointment Amidst Concerns Over Team Stability

Former Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal has launched a stinging critique of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the appointment of Azhar Mahmood as the interim coach of the Test team.

Pakistan's Test cricket performance in the recent WTC cycle raised concerns.

Akmal expressed his bewilderment on 'The Game Plan' podcast, stating, "I just don’t understand the logic behind this decision." He drew parallels to the controversial appointment of Mickey Arthur as director of cricket, while Arthur simultaneously maintained his role with a county team. "I couldn’t understand it then, and I can’t understand it now," Akmal reiterated.

Azhar Mahmood is now the seventh Test head coach for Pakistan since 2021, succeeding Aaqib Javed.

Akmal argued that such decisions reflect a lack of seriousness within the PCB. He emphasized that a more professional and thoughtful approach would eliminate the need for temporary appointments and compromises. "These decisions reflect a lack of seriousness. When the PCB starts thinking seriously and acting professionally, it won’t have to make such compromises or temporary appointments," he asserted.

The interim nature of Mahmood's appointment raises concerns about the stability of the team as Pakistan embarks on the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. In the previous cycle, Pakistan finished at the bottom of the table, securing only five victories in 14 matches. Their upcoming challenges include a series against Sri Lanka, followed by a three-Test tour of England, marking their first Test tour of England since 2020 and their only three-match series in this WTC cycle.

Akmal questioned the rationale behind Mahmood's interim appointment, suggesting that if he is deemed suitable for the head coach position, he should be granted the full-time role and responsibility. "If you’ve made him head coach, then give him the full time and responsibility. Otherwise, what’s the point?" Akmal concluded.