PCB appoints Azhar Mahmood as interim bowling coach; Mushtaq Ahmed rested

The 40-year-old will replace former leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed for Asia Cup and ICC World Twenty20.

New Delhi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday appointed former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the new interim bowling coach for the ongoing Asia Cup 2016 and next month's ICC World Twenty20.

The 40-year-old will replace former leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed for these two competitions. Ahmed has been rested but is expected to take over again ahead of the England tour in June this year.

"Mushi has been rested for two events as he was too fatigued," Pakistan's team manager told ESPNcricinfo.

"Mahmood is a good replacement for the interim, being a T20 specialist. He will join the squad later this evening."

After making his debut in 1996, against India in an One-Day International match at Toronto, Mahmood last played for Pakistan in 2007, against Ireland.

Despite not being part of the Pakistan side, the all-rounder still continues to ply his trade in numerous Twenty20 leagues around the world.

Having played 225 T20 matches, so far, he is certainly one of the most experienced players in this format.

He is expected to join the Pakistan team at Dhaka Thursday evening. Pakistan play their first match against arch-rivals India on Saturday at Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium, Mirpur.