Akmal Blasts PCB's Interim Coach Choice: "What's the Point?"

Former Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal has launched a stinging critique of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), questioning the rationale behind appointing Azhar Mahmood as the interim coach of the Test team.

Pakistan's Test cricket team finished last in the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle, raising questions about coaching decisions.

Akmal voiced his concerns on 'The Game Plan' podcast, stating, "I just don’t understand the logic behind this decision. It’s exactly like the time PCB made Mickey Arthur director of cricket while allowing him to continue working with a county team. I couldn’t understand it then, and I can’t understand it now."

Azhar Mahmood's appointment marks the seventh change in Pakistan's Test head coach position since 2021. He succeeds Aaqib Javed in the role.

Akmal further elaborated, "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 emphasized the need for a more serious and professional approach from the PCB, arguing that temporary appointments are a compromise. "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," Akmal added.

Pakistan's Test team is entering a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle amid these changes. In the previous cycle, they finished at the bottom of the table with only five wins in 14 matches. Following a series against Sri Lanka, they are scheduled for a three-Test tour of England, their first since 2020.

Akmal concluded by questioning the purpose of an interim appointment, stating, "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?".