KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket team is on the verge of the tough England tour and to somewhat counter the challenge the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) opted to appoint a ‘local’ man as team’s bowling coach. A source claimed that the appointment of Azhar Mahmood had almost been finalised. “Azhar Mahmood is the front runner for the bowling coach post in view of his vast experience of the English conditions”, the source said
Azhar Mahmood is a Pakistani-born cricketer who became a British citizen in 2011 and is now a fully qualified English cricketer.
“Azhar Mahmood’s appointed as bowling has almost been finalised”, source added
The source further said that Azhar Mahmood would also add as an efficient bridge between the team’s Australian coach Mickey Arthur and the players.
Earlier, Pakistan’s head coach Mickey Arthur expressed his desire to have a local assistant or bowling coach with him to impart tips to Pakistan players in a better manner.
Azhar Mahmood has recently worked as bowling coach of the Pakistan team, under Waqar Younis, however his stint was limited till the World T20.
The writer is a Pakistani sports journalist & tweets @mak_asif