The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently decided not to extend the contracts of the head coach and the support staff. Bowling coach Azhar Mahmood feels that he should have been given a chance to meet the committee but is excited to move on and find a new job.
The committee that decided against an extension of contracts for the team management had met the captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and head coach Mickey Arthur before making the decision. Mahmood also wanted to put his side forward before a decision was made.
He told Omnisport, “We had some wonderful times. There were a lot of ups and downs in that two-and-a-half-year period, but I worked really hard with this young group of bowlers. I would have liked to have been able to represent myself in front of the committee before the decision over contracts was made, but I can move on with dignity and pride over what I achieved.”
“I believe I've done a really good job with these guys and they have the potential to become world-class bowlers, so I wish them all the luck. Initially I got a two-year contract, which they asked me to extend until after the World Cup. Now it's time to move on and grow further as a coach,” he added.
It’s been a tremendous journey with @TheRealPCB . I thank them and wish them all the very best for the future of Pakistan cricket. After having served my tenure of over 2.5 years to Pakistan team & giving it our utmost best I look forward to moving on . #PakistanZindabad
— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) August 7, 2019
Now that his term with the Pakistan team has ended, he is happy with the way he worked and the things he accomplished with the team. He was a part of the successful team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 where they beat India in the Final.
“My aim was to be there and give my best to the country and to the players, I certainly feel I did that,” he said.
He also revealed that the Surrey County Cricket club had approached him during his tenure as bowling coach of the Pakistan team. He also has some more offers now that people know he is available to take up a new job.
“Let's see where I end up next. Now people know I'm available, I have a lot of interest coming my way so I need to work out which is the best for my future. Even when I was doing the job with Pakistan I got a job offer from Surrey and now people know I am available, there has been more interest,” he concluded.
