Azhar Mahmood was born
on 28 Feb 1975. He played 21 Tests and 143 ODI’s for Pakistan. Azhar was one of
those Pakistani cricketers who scored century and half century without being
dismissed on Test debut against powerful South African attack at Rawalpindi in
1997. After that, he scored two more centuries against South Africa.
His father was
having serious objections to his interest in cricket, but later on, Azhar proved
to be a one of best all rounder in the country made him feels proud. Azhar
Mahmood has also played tape ball cricket a popular format across the country. He
played county cricket for Surrey and Kent, and then he married with British
girl in 2003. He became a UK citizen in 2011, allowed him to play for Kent as
an England qualified player. Due to this, he played as a British cricketer in
IPL to Kings XI Punjab. After that he represented with KKR in 2015.
Azhar Mahmood made
his ODI debut against India in 1996 at Toronto with a little success. He
surprised many with his powerful batting skills and as swing bowlers. At one
time, he was in contention of Pakistan skipper in front of some senior players.
But unfortunately the future plan could not succeed.
He was an English
type of medium pace bowler and belligerent batsman. Azhar Mahmood was strong on
legs stumps and comfortable on short bowling and great ability to pushes the
ball in defense. In 2002, for Surrey, he showed a great character by capturing
8 wickets for 61 runs against Lancashire, the best ever performance by him.
Azhar was lastly played
for Pakistan in 2007 world cup, where early exits from the tournament meant his
career is over. So, the 30 years old cricketer decides to go in England to
playing county cricket. So being constant exclusion further de-motivated him.
His mediocre performance and weight increase make him in further trouble. In
2016, he was appointed Pakistan bowling coach of the Pakistan cricket.
He was mentally a tough
candidate. One of his innings of 132 for Pakistan on a treacherous pitch against
powerful bowling attack of South Africa at Durban in 1997-98 considered as
Wisden 8th best Test inning of all time list. In this Test match South
Africa's pace attack had more depth than at any other time in their history:
Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Fanie de Villiers and supported by Lance Klusener.
The 22 year old young all rounder made 96 in boundaries enable Pakistan to win
a low scoring match by mere 29 runs.
