Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for appointing Azhar Mahmood as interim head coach. He called this decision short-sighted and poorly managed. Akmal expressed confusion over why PCB gave Mahmood a temporary role instead of a permanent one.
Akmal compared this decision to the PCB’s earlier appointment of Mickey Arthur as director of cricket. Arthur kept his county commitments while serving in the PCB role. Akmal said he did not understand that choice then, and he does not understand this one now either.
He pointed out that Pakistan cricket has faced instability due to short-term coaching appointments. Coaches like Aaqib Javed, Mohammad Hafeez, and now Azhar Mahmood have come and gone quickly. Akmal believes this shows PCB’s reactive and inconsistent management.
Akmal urged the PCB to think professionally and plan long term. He warned that temporary fixes will only worsen problems. He also said Mahmood’s appointment feels like a reward for loyalty, not a strategy for stability.
The PCB has not yet responded to these remarks. Mahmood’s appointment comes at a time when Pakistan’s Test team prepares for upcoming tours and hopes to improve performance. Fans and experts watch closely for the board’s next moves.