17 Facts About Azhar Mahmood

Azhar Mahmood is a Pakistani cricket coach and former cricketer.

Azhar Mahmood was the bowling coach of the Pakistani national cricket team from 2016 to 2019.

Azhar Mahmood was a part of the Pakistan squad which finished as runners-up at the 1999 Cricket World Cup.

Azhar Mahmood played county cricket for Surrey and in November 2007 signed a two-year deal to play for Kent.

Azhar Mahmood made his One-Day International debut against India in 1996 at Toronto Cricket Club, Toronto, but did not gain major recognition until his Test debut against South Africa the following year at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi when he hit a century and a half-century without being dismissed.

Azhar Mahmood later went on to score two more centuries against the South Africans.

Azhar Mahmood joined the Pakistani team primarily as a medium pacer but he has surprised many by his batting powers.

Azhar Mahmood's hard hitting but orthodox batting skills have been extremely useful in the one-day game.

Azhar Mahmood was recalled to the national side for the ODI series against South Africa in early 2007, but subsequently dropped when the 2007 Cricket World Cup team was announced.

Azhar Mahmood was however recalled to go with the squad to the West Indies after a knee injury to Abdul Razzaq.

However, aside from playing in a practice match, Azhar Mahmood did not get a chance to participate in the World Cup and Pakistan's early exit from the tournament meant that he was, in line for being axed from the national squad.

Azhar Mahmood has previously signed with the defunct Indian Cricket League and had been released from his central contract.

In November 2016, Azhar Mahmood was appointed bowling coach of the Pakistan side.

Azhar Mahmood left the role in August 2019 when his contract was not extended.

On 3 December 2021, Azhar Mahmood has appointed by Islamabad United as the head coach for their 7th season of PSL.

Ahead of the 2024 season, Azhar Mahmood left his role as head coach and was appointed Islamabad's bowling coach.

On 9 April 2024, Azhar Mahmood was appointed Pakistan's head coach for their series against New Zealand.