The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing criticism for its recent appointment of Azhar Mahmood as the interim head coach of the national Test team. Former Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal has publicly condemned the decision, labeling it "illogical" and indicative of poor management.

Akmal voiced his concerns on a YouTube show, questioning the reasoning behind Mahmood's temporary appointment. He drew parallels to the PCB's previous decision to appoint Mickey Arthur as director of cricket while Arthur was still committed to coaching Derbyshire in England. Akmal stated that he failed to understand the logic behind both decisions.

According to Akmal, these inconsistent and short-term decisions are contributing to the decline of Pakistan cricket, creating long-term problems for the team. He pointed to a series of coaching changes, including Aaqib Javed and Mohammad Hafeez, as examples of the PCB's reactive approach. Azhar Mahmood is now the seventh Test head coach for Pakistan since 2021. Mahmood has been an assistant coach across all three formats since April 2024 and is expected to serve as interim head coach until March 2026.

Akmal urged the PCB to adopt a more professional and long-term approach to key appointments, rather than trying to appease everyone. He argued that temporary fixes would only exacerbate structural problems within the team. "These decisions reflect a lack of seriousness," Akmal stated. "When the PCB starts thinking seriously and acting professionally, it won't have to make such compromises or temporary appointments".

Akmal also suggested that Mahmood's appointment appeared to be more about rewarding loyalty than building a stable coaching framework. He criticized what he described as a "please-all" strategy and questioned the point of appointing a head coach without giving him full-time responsibility. "Everyone has been appeased, and now Azhar has also been rewarded," he said. "If you've made him head coach, then give him the full time and responsibility. Otherwise, what's the point?".

The PCB has yet to respond to Akmal's criticism. Mahmood's appointment comes as Pakistan's Test side is in a transitional phase ahead of upcoming tours.