Pakistan cricket: What's the point? Ex-cricketer rips PCB apart for appointing Azhar Mahmood as interim Test coach
Former Pakistan cricketer
Kamran Akmal
has made a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for appointing
Azhar Mahmood
as interim coach of the Test team.
'I just don't understand the logic behind this decision," Akmal said on the YouTube show 'The Game Plan' podcast.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
SUBSCRIBE NOW!
" 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," he added.
Azhar Mahmood, former Pakistan all-rounder is Pakistan's seventh Test head coach since 2021. He will take over from
Aaqib Javed
.
Poll
How do you feel about the frequent changes in Pakistan's Test team coaching staff?
It's good for bringing fresh ideas.
It's unstable and concerning.
I don't have an opinion on this.
"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,' said Akmal.
'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," he added.
Since Azhar's appointment is only interim, Pakistan will begin the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle under somewhat unstable circumstances. In the previous WTC cycle, they ended at the bottom of the table, managing only five victories in 14 matches. Following the series against Sri Lanka, their next challenge will be a three-Test tour of England — their sole three-match series in this WTC cycle and their first Test tour of England since 2020.
'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?' said Akmal.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Daniil Medvedev vs Corentin Moutet suspended at 5-4 in third set due to dramatic Washington lightning
Daniil Medvedev vs Corentin Moutet suspended at 5-4 in third set due to dramatic Washington lightning (Image via Getty) Daniil Medvedev and Corentin Moutet stopped their quarter‑final at the Mubadala Citi DC Open on July 25, 2025. The deciding third set was underway when an unexpected weather threat paused play. They battled for over two hours in hot, humid conditions in Washington, D.C., with Corentin Moutet ahead and about to serve. Then, lightning appeared in the area. Officials halted the match for safety. The outcome now depends on when play resumes, and the tension is high as both players wait for the same court to reopen. Daniil Medvedev and Corentin Moutet paused at 5‑4 in third set after 2 h 15 min On Friday, July 25, 2025 at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington, D.C., Medvedev started strong. The world No. 14 in the PIF ATP Rankings and eighth seed hit 10 winners to win the first set. Corentin Moutet, the French lucky loser, used speed and smart shot placement to capture the second set 6‑4. With the score at 5‑4 in the final set and Corentin Moutet one game from victory, officials stopped play due to lightning in the area. The match lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes in oppressive heat. Daniil Medvedev had needed a medical timeout at 2‑4, 15/15 in set two because of heat stress. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa Prices in Dubai Might Be Lower Than You Think! Villa for sale in Dubai | Search Ads Learn More Undo Both players struggled in the humid heat, and the conditions clearly took their toll on performance. Daniil Medvedev must serve when match resumes; stakes high for both When the match resumes, Daniil Medvedev will serve while trailing. He is chasing his first title since Rome 2023 and hopes to reach his 60th tour‑level semi‑final. Corentin Moutet is seeking a breakthrough in his first-ever ATP 500 quarter‑final above 250 level and trails Medvedev 0‑1 in their head‑to‑head meetings. Also Read: 'We have to hide ourselves': Serena Williams fiercely calls out WTA for silencing powerful female athletes The winner will face either Alex de Minaur or Brandon Nakashima in the semi‑finals. A tournament staffer noted, 'We had to leave immediately for safety, the weather risk was too high,' reflecting the sudden end to the match. FAQs 1. Why was the Medvedev vs Moutet match suspended? Play stopped due to lightning risk in Washington during the deciding set on July 25, 2025. 2. What was the score when the match paused? Moutet led Medvedev 1‑6, 6‑4, 5‑4. 3. Who must serve when the match resumes? Daniil Medvedev must serve to stay in the match. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Nick Young breaks silence on D'Angelo Russell's alleged cheating scandal with wild and cryptic comments
Nick Young is a phenomenal player (Image via Getty Images) D'Angelo Russell recently landed in serious jeopardy after a woman shared a slew of texts she exchanged with someone else. She claimed that she has been texting with the NBA star. He reportedly asked her to fly to Miami for him while she was in Atlanta, according to the messages. Meanwhile, Nick Young, a former NBA player, recently weighed in on this. He gave a casual street interview where he opened up about his feelings regarding D'Angelo Russell's alleged cheating scandal. Nick Young's bizarre remarks stir buzz amid D'Angelo Russell's alleged cheating controversy During the same interview, Nick Young was asked how he felt about everything. While talking about D'Angelo Russell , he said: 'Oh man. What can I say? You know, God answers all prayers, you know. That's how I mean Jaw Morant.. She's the GOAT. You know, shout-out to Swaggy Nation, people who have been riding with me from day one. Just send me your cash at Jaw Morant.' He continued: 'You know, I love what you're doing, man. One of the marks was one of my real ones. She did it for Swaggy. No, she says she looks out over 5k, you know. Man, you feel me? I got you because you ain't going to see normal money. So I got you…' Nick Young concluded: 'You know, Snitches never prosper. You know, and only one made it. That was who was that Gunna? Gunna came back this, I'm strong, but you know, Jaw Morant made sure Jean-Marie wasn't going you know have a comeback…' Nick Young talked about D'Angelo Russell (Image via Getty Images) For context, in June of last year, the woman, who uses the nickname "Jaw Morant" on her X account, shared the chat exchange with D'Angelo Russell on Instagram. The NBA player was said to have sent her the first message a month before they officially began texting. She wrote in the post: "D'angelo Russell, you got some explaining to do… stop cheating on that yt woman with me.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 30 Of The Most Beautiful Women In History Undo Later, she posted screenshots of the text messages she claimed were from the Dallas Mavericks player on her X handle. They were full of intimate messages. He even reportedly sent her money to book a flight. However, the authenticity of these messages haven't been jugged as of yet. Also read: Zhuri James goes viral in Adidas as Bronny falls short in LA Lakers' game against Dallas Mavericks For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG 4th Test: 'Sure he'll be driven' – Ollie Pope backs Joe Root to chase down Sachin Tendulkar for most Test runs
Ollie Pope (Sahil Malhotra - X) in Manchester: Ollie Pope was all smiles at the end of Day 3 in Manchester as he spoke warmly about Joe Root 's brilliance with the bat and Ben Stokes ' resilience with the ball. England had ended the day on 544 for 7, leading India by 186 runs in the fourth Test. 'Rooty's knock was exactly what the team needed,' Pope said. 'He is a joy to watch. The way he keeps stepping up, it's just incredible. Last four or five years, he's hit a ridiculous number of hundreds. He just keeps getting better.' Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Root's innings of 150 was not just a major moment in the match but also a historic one. It took him past Ricky Ponting on the all-time list of Test run-scorers. Only Sachin Tendulkar is now ahead. 'He's not a massive one for milestones,' Pope said with a laugh. 'But that's a cool one — second most Test runs. I'm sure he was aware.' When asked about Root potentially catching Tendulkar's record, Pope didn't rule it out. 'The way he's batting, I'm sure he'll be driven to be No.1. He's got the hunger.' Pope also offered a fitness update on Stokes, who had briefly retired hurt due to cramps. 'He's okay. Just cramping a bit. The amount he's bowled and pushed himself — serious limits. But he'll be good to go tomorrow.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Washington week is here - Watch live tennis from the US capital all week Tennis TV Watch Now Undo Poll Will Joe Root surpass Sachin Tendulkar's record for Test runs? Yes, he will definitely surpass it No, he won't Pope had earlier partnered Root in a 144-run stand before being dismissed for 71. The right-hander was full of admiration for the way England's senior players were taking charge in a potentially series-clinching Test. With Root rewriting records and Stokes soldiering on, England look well placed to press home their advantage at Old Trafford. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
