Akmal Blasts PCB's Interim Coach Choice Amid Pakistan Test Woes

Former Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal has launched a strong critique against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their recent decision to appoint Azhar Mahmood as the interim coach of the Test team.

Pakistan's Test cricket performance in the last WTC cycle was disappointing.

Akmal voiced his concerns on 'The Game Plan' podcast, stating, "I just don’t understand the logic behind this decision." He drew parallels with the PCB's earlier move to appoint Mickey Arthur as director of cricket while Arthur continued to work with a county team.

Akmal questioned the rationale, saying, "I couldn’t understand it then, and I can’t understand it now."

Azhar Mahmood, a former Pakistani all-rounder, is now the seventh Test head coach for Pakistan since 2021, succeeding Aaqib Javed.

Akmal highlighted the recurring nature of such decisions, "That role (Arthur’s) has continued, and it has brought many issues into Pakistan cricket. The same thing is now happening with the interim coaching setup. Before this, it was Aaqib Javed, then Mohammad Hafeez and now Azhar."

He further criticized the PCB's approach, "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."

With Mahmood's appointment being temporary, Pakistan is set to enter the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle under uncertain conditions. In the previous WTC cycle, they finished at the bottom, with only five wins out of 14 matches. Following the series against Sri Lanka, they are scheduled for a three-Test tour of England, their only three-match series in this WTC cycle and their first Test tour of England since 2020.

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