Azhar Mahmood to take over Pakistan bowling coach

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has been appointed as bowling coach for Pakistan ahead of the Asia Cup T20 2016. He will be replacing Mushtaq Ahmed, with the latter stepping down from the position due to personal commitments.

However, Mushtaq is expected to take up the position of head coach at the National Cricket Academy. It has been reported that Waqar Younis had mentioned his name as a replacement for Mushtaq. The 40-year old also confirmed the approach from the PCB.

“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.”

Mahmood has represented Pakistan in 21 Tests, picking up 39 wickets and amassing 900 runs. He was always considered as a limited overs specialist as he donned the Pakistan ODI jersey on 143 occasions. He scored 1521 runs and picked up 123 ODI scalps in his career.

Pakistan has made some surprising changes in the squad for the Asia Cup and the World T20. The most surprising selection is the axing of 24-year-old opener Ahmed Shahzad. The latter, who was struggling for form, managed just 33 runs in the home series loss against New Zealand. The Black Caps won the series 2-1.

Shoaib Maqsood, Umar Gul and Mohammed Rizwan have also been left out of the side. Chief selector Haroon Rasheed said that the squad was selected based on the conditions in Bangladesh and India and that all the selections were entirely based on merit.

“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.