The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that former fast bowler Azhar Mahmood will serve as the head coach for the Pakistan men’s cricket team during the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The series is scheduled to commence on April 18 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and will wrap up on April 27 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. According to an official statement from the PCB, Azhar, who has 162 wickets and 2,421 runs to his name from 164 internationals representing Pakistan, has been appointed to the role.
PCB confirms team management for New Zealand T20Is
Details here ➡️ https://t.co/sLW2ye4VTj#PAKvNZ
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) April 8, 2024
Azhar Mahmood previously served as the bowling coach for the Pakistan men’s cricket team from 2016 to 2019.
In addition to Azhar Mahmood’s appointment as head coach, Wahab Riaz has been appointed as the senior team manager, while Mohammad Yousuf will take on the role of batting coach. Saeed Ajmal, who previously served as the bowling coach during the team’s tours of Australia and New Zealand, will continue in his role as the spin bowling coach.
At present, the Pakistan men’s cricket team is actively participating in a fitness camp organized by trainers from the Pakistan Army at Kakul. Concurrently, the squad for the upcoming series has been officially announced.
🚨 Pakistan squad for five-match T20I series against New Zealand 🚨
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/qnTIhuJYMd#PAKvNZ | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/Wa0rjJjJ62
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 9, 2024
Following their disappointing ODI World Cup campaign in India last year, the Pakistan team has embarked on significant changes. Recently, they reinstated star batter Babar Azam as their white-ball captain, just ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Babar had previously stepped down from his leadership role after Pakistan’s lackluster performance at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India, where they finished in sixth place.
Furthermore, the Pakistan cricket team for the New Zealand series is set to be announced on Tuesday, indicating ongoing adjustments within the squad.
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The support staff for the Pakistan team during the New Zealand T20Is includes Wahab Riaz as senior team manager, with Mansoor Rana as team manager. Azhar Mahmood will serve as head coach, while Mohammad Yousuf will take on the role of batting coach. Saeed Ajmal has been appointed as the spin bowling coach, and Aftab Khan will serve as the field coach.
Cliffe Deacon will be the physiotherapist, Drikus Saiman will serve as the strength and conditioning coach, and Talha Butt will work as the analyst. Irtiza Komail has been appointed as security manager, with Raza Kitchlew as the media and digital manager. Zain Maqsood will serve as the videographer, Dr. Khurram Sarwar as the team doctor, and Mohammad Imran as the masseur.
Also Read: Pakistan Squad For NZ T20Is Announced; Mohammad Amir And Imad Wasim Make Comeback
