Azhar Abbas (cricketer)

Azhar Abbas Haraj is a Pakistani-New Zealand cricket coach and former cricketer. Azhar is a bowling coach for Wellington Firebirds in New Zealand having previously coached Auckland Aces. As a player, he appeared for the Auckland Aces and Wellington Firebirds in the New Zealand State Championship. He is a founding member of PTI Sports and Cultural Wing. He is also founder of New Zealand Pace Foundation.

Early life and family

Azhar Abbas was born on 1 April 1975 in Abdul Hakim Khanewal, Punjab, Pakistan to a Farmer's Family. At the age of 14, He was moved to Lahore to complete his education and Sports interests.
Abbas is a married to Shazia; the couple has two daughters and a son, Muhammad Abbas, who plays first-class cricket for Wellington Firebirds.

Career

Azhar Abbas played most of his cricket in Pakistan, England and New Zealand as a fast bowler, he was named to a wider Pakistan squad in 1997 and 2005 but did not make the final team against Sri Lanka and India. After meeting former New Zealand cricketer Richard Petrie in England, Abbas joined the Karori Cricket Club in Wellington. He later join Eden Roskill Cricket Club in 2005 as a Head of Cricket.
Now he is a NZC Level 3 cricket coach. From 2015 to 2021 he was a bowling coach for Auckland Aces. From 2022 he has worked in the same role for Wellington Firebirds. He is also a founder of NZ Pace Academy.