Asia Cup 2016 : Ind vs Pak | Azhar Mahmood named as Pakistan bowling coach

Azhar Mahmood named as Pakistan bowling coach for Asia Cup

       Azhar bagged 39 wickets and scored 900 runs in the 21 Tests which he played for Pakistan. He also claimed 123 wickets and scored 1,521 runs in his 143 ODI appearances.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has been appointed as the team's bowling coach for the ongoing Asia Cup in Bangladesh and the World T20 to be played in India next month.

The 40-year-old, who is likely to join the squad in Dhaka on Thursday, has replaced former leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed for the two events.

Confirming the news, Pakistan's team manager said that Mushtaq had been rested for the two tournaments as he was too fatigued.

Mushtaq is likely to rejoin the squad ahead of the England tour in June this year.
"Azhar is a good replacement for the interim, being a T20 specialist. He will join the squad later this evening," he added.

Azhar, who played for Islamabad United in the recently-concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL), has not been involved in any international coaching so far. He, however, featured in the minor-coaching roles in private clubs in the UAE and England.

Azhar bagged 39 wickets and scored 900 runs in the 21 Tests which he played for Pakistan. He also claimed 123 wickets and scored 1,521 runs in his 143 ODI appearances. 

Azhar Mahmood named Pakistan’s interim bowling coach

Former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood was on Thursday appointed as Pakistan’s interim bowling coach for the ongoing Asia Cup and next month’s World T20, a cricket website reported on Thursday.

He joined the squad in Dhaka on Thursday evening, reports said.

Mahmood replaces former leg spinner Mushtaq Ahmed for the two competitions, said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Ahmed has been rested but is expected to take over again ahead of the England tour in June this year.
Mushi (Mushtaq) has been rested for two events as he was too fatigued, Pakistan’s team manager Moin Khan was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.

“Azhar is a good replacement for the interim being a T20 specialist. He will join the squad later this evening.”

The 40-year-old has been playing domestic cricket since his last international match in 2007.

He has had vast experience in this format and featured in 225 T20 matches playing for various clubs and franchises in Pakistan, England, India, Bangladesh, West Indies and New Zealand.

He has also enjoyed minor coaching roles in private clubs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and England. (Online)