Azhar Mahmood: Surrey assistant coach to leave for Pakistan role

Former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood previously played for Surrey in two spells before returning as a coach in 2022

Assistant coach Azhar Mahmood will leave Surrey with immediate effect to take a role with Pakistan's men's side.

The former all-rounder joined the county in 2022 with the club going on to win consecutive County Championship titles over the last two years.

Mahmood also had two playing stints at Surrey and said it was a "difficult decision" to leave his "second home".

"The opportunity to work for my country again was too good to turn down," the 49-year-old added.

"I am excited to start this new challenge in my career and can't wait to get started with the team."

Mahmood was previously assistant coach for Pakistan from 2016 to 2019.

He will act as interim head coach for their T20 series against New Zealand.

Surrey said they would not look to appoint a replacement for Mahmood at the moment.