Azhar was confirmed today as the man taking over the role from Kabir Khan and will lead the side to the tournament, organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC), taking place in England between June 24 and July 23.

He played 137 first class and 91 list A games as an all-rounder during a playing career during the 1980s and 1990s for club sides Agriculture Development Bank of Pakistan and Rawalpindi.

The 55-year-old went onto coach the latter club and has also been in charge of his country’s under-19 side.

His appointment was announced at the same time as the squad for the tournament was revealed, with six changes made to the team who secured their place in the competition during the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Sri Lanka in February.

Sana Mir stays as captain of the side, but coming back into the 15 is wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz, who did not feature in the qualifiers due to injury.

Bowlers Kainat Imtiaz, Asmaivia and Marina Iqbal and all-rounder Diana Baig also return to the team while Waheeda Akhtar will be making her debut.

Players who have missed out include left-arm spinner Anam Amin, who was a stand-out performer at the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 tournament last year.

Pakistan will play the West Indies and defending champions Australia in warm-up matches on June 20 and 22 respectively, with both games being played at Grace Road in Leicester.

They will then meet South Africa on June 25 or their opening match of the tournament at the same ground.