Potential Candidates Emerge for Pakistan Cricket Head Coach

LAHORE: Azhar Mahmood, currently the assistant coach, and Mike Hesson, formerly the head coach of New Zealand, are reportedly leading candidates for the head coach position of the Pakistan men’s cricket team. Sources revealed this information.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is actively pursuing the appointment of a permanent head coach for the national men’s team and has established a committee of four individuals. This committee includes COO Sumair Ahmed Syed, Bilal Afzal, selector Azhar Ali, and former interim head coach Aqib Javed.

The committee’s responsibility is to provide recommendations to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi following their assessment, according to sources.

It has been reported that a total of six candidates are under consideration. Four of these candidates are from overseas, including Hesson, while assistant coach Azhar Mahmood is among the two local candidates being considered.

The coaching structure of Pakistan’s cricket team has experienced considerable instability recently. Jason Gillespie, a former Australian fast bowler, was appointed as the red-ball head coach on a two-year contract in April. However, he resigned in December due to inconsistent performances and internal issues, just before Pakistan’s Test series against South Africa.

Gillespie’s departure occurred after Gary Kirsten resigned from his position as white-ball head coach in October, only six months after being appointed. Reports suggest Kirsten had a difficult relationship with PCB officials and struggled to adjust to the team’s management system.

Following these resignations, Aqib Javed was appointed as interim head coach until the 2025 Champions Trophy and then granted an extension for the team’s tour of New Zealand. However, the PCB has decided not to extend his tenure further.

Meanwhile, Javed is now a leading contender for the position of Director of the High-Performance Centre, with an official announcement expected shortly.

Despite the possibility of a new position, Javed is expected to continue serving as a national selector.