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NDTV
a day ago
- Sport
- NDTV
PCB's Incompetence Exposed In Epic Rant By Ex-Pakistan Star: "What's The Point?"
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for appointing Azhar Mahmood as interim head coach of the team. Akmal said he "didn't understand the logic" behind the appointment and questioned the PCB for its lack of seriousness and poor managment. Speaking on The Game Plan Podcast on YouTube, Akmal likened Mahmood's appointment to PCB's controversial move of naming Mickey Arthur as director of cricket while the South Africa was remained committed to English county side Hampshire. "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," said Kamran. Akmal hinted that Mahmood's appointment reflects PCB's incompetence, blaming the board for the recent decline of Pakistan cricket. "That role (Mickey Arthur) 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 added. Akmal also urged the PCB to focus on long term goals instead of pleasing people. "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 pointed out. "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?" he explained. Former fast bowler and 1992 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup winner Aaqib Javed had been fulfilling the role as red-ball coach following the departure of Australian Jason Gillespie towards the end of last year. Mahmood's first task will be preparing the side for their upcoming assignment for the new ICC World Test Championship cycle, which is scheduled to be when South Africa visits Pakistan for a two-match series later this year.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
PCB blasted for 'lack of seriousness', unprofessional act by Kamran Akmal after 'illogical' appointment in men's team
Kamran Akmal, the former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter, has expressed his disappointment with the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to stick with Azhar Mahmood as interim coach, citing the move as 'illogical and reflective of poor management.' Mahmood, appointed assistant coach for all formats in 2024, has now taken over as acting head coach of the Pakistan national team. He is expected to remain in the role until his current contract ends in March 2026. Kamran Akmal wasn't too happy with PCB's recent decision(Getty Images) Speaking on The Game Plan Podcast on YouTube, Kamran Akmal expressed his frustration over the Pakistan Board's decision, 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.' Since 2021, Azhar Mahmood has been the seventh head coach appointed by PCB, succeeding yet another interim coach in Aaqib Javed, who had previously taken over from Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie. Akmal criticised the PCB for its erratic decision-making, asserting that these appointments have caused long-term problems. 'Lack of seriousness' Akmal further took aim at PCB's decision, saying, 'That role (Mickey Arthur) 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.' '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' Arthur returned to the Pakistan setup in 2023 as team director while still coaching Derbyshire in England, a dual arrangement that Akmal believes led to structural problems in the team. Mahmood, now acting as Test coach, is not expected to retain his role as white-ball assistant coach during this tenure, and he was notably absent from the coaching staff during Pakistan's recent white-ball series against Bangladesh. Kamran Akmal finally emphasised the situation by 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?'
