PCB’s Contractual Challenge with Azhar Mahmood

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently grappling with a contractual issue involving interim red-ball coach Azhar Mahmood. Despite the board’s desire to release him, a binding contract signed by the previous management has made this difficult. According to an insider, terminating Mahmood’s contract prematurely would require the PCB to pay a hefty compensation equivalent to six months’ salary, amounting to approximately PKR 450 million (USD 160,000, INR Rs 1.38 crore). Consequently, Mahmood has been appointed as the interim head coach of the national red-ball team until his contract concludes in April-May next year.

Financial Implications and Salary Details

Azhar Mahmood, a former Test all-rounder, is reportedly earning a monthly salary of around PKR 7.5 million. The financial burden of his contract has become a significant concern for the PCB, especially after Mike Hesson, the newly appointed white-ball head coach, expressed his preference for a different support staff that does not include Mahmood. This situation has left the PCB in a quandary over how to effectively utilize Mahmood’s expertise while justifying his substantial salary.

Internal Discontent and Resistance

Mahmood himself is reportedly dissatisfied with the current situation within the board. Despite his requests to work with the national junior team, he has encountered resistance from certain insiders at the PCB. Aaqib Javed, a former pacer and now a selector and head of the national cricket academy, is reportedly unimpressed with Mahmood’s coaching style. Nevertheless, to honor his contract for now, Mahmood has been named interim head coach of the Test side.

Previous Financial Liabilities

The PCB’s financial challenges are not limited to Mahmood’s case. The board has previously faced similar liabilities while attempting to release other coaches like Waqar Younis, Saqlain Mushtaq, Misbah ul Haq, and Sarfaraz Ahmed from their contracts as mentors for domestic teams in the Champions Cup events. These events were canceled after just one season, further complicating the board’s financial landscape.