Babar Azam's friend joins Scotland's backroom staff. Credits- AFP/CricketopiaCom
In a developing story, one of Pakistan's legendary batters and Babar Azam's closest aides has joined the backroom staff of the Scotland Cricket.
Scotland are scheduled to tour Nepal for the forthcoming ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, where they will take on the hosts and USA. The Scots will face both teams twice in Kirtipur's TU Cricket Ground.
Currently sitting on second berth in the CWCL2 standings, Scotland are aiming to push for qualification to next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup global qualifier.
Scotland pick a robust 15-man squad for CWCL2
For the upcoming series, Cricket Scotland has handpicked a strong 15-member squad, with Richie Berrington at the helm.
However, the talking point of the squad has been the budding off-spinner, Ollie Jones, who has earned his maiden call-up after an impressive run in the U19 World Cup 2026. Meanwhile, stylish batter Michael English has been recalled after featuring in a single ODI in July 2024.
The Scots have also backed their performing assets - Matthew Cross, Bradley Currie, Michael Leask, George Munsey and Mark Watt - for the important tour of Nepal.
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Azhar Ali joins Scotland's backroom staff
Cricket Scotland has not just selected a robust squad, but they have made a tactically solid addition. Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has been roped in as a consultant for the Nepal tour.
Azhar has a truckload of experience in playing the sport at the highest level, representing Pakistan in 97 Test matches and 53 ODIs.
In his illustratous career, he went on score 7142 Test runs and 1845 runs in ODIs, with a career best of 302* against West Indies vs Dubai. Moreover, he led his country in 9 Test matches and 31 ODIs.
Known for his rock-solid technique and elite ball knowledge, the prolific batter retired from international cricket in 2022 and served as a selector in PCB before resigning in late 2025. He has also served as head of youth development at the Pakistan board.
How are Babar Azam and Azhar Ali close?
Azhar Ali is considered Babar Azam's closest aide in Pakistan Cricket, but he was once his mentor as well. It was under Azhar's astute leadership when Babar smacked three successive ODI tons against the West Indies in late 2016, in the buildup to the Champions Trophy 2017.
Both Babar Azam and Azhar were integral parts of the Pakistan squad that won ICC silverware in 2017 by beating India in a lopsided final.
Interestingly, Azhar Ali bowed out of international cricket under Babar Azam's captaincy, when he was just three short of reaching the holy 100 Test match mark.
Nevertheless, Scotland will begin their run in Nepal for CWCL2 against the hosts on May 12, before taking on USA on May 14. The reverse fixtures will be carried out on May 18 and May 20, respectively. All four matches will be played at the TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.
Scotland's Squad for CWCL2
Richie Berrington (c), Matthew Cross, Bradley Currie, Jasper Davidson, Oliver Davidson, Michael English, Owen Gould, Jack Jarvis, Ollie Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, and Mark Watt.
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