Former Test batsman Ijaz Ahmed has been appointed as the head coach of the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team on a three-year contract, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced through a press release on Monday.

Ahmed has been coaching since 2009 and has previously served as the head coach for Pakistan-A and Under-19 sides.

He also temporarily took up the head coach’s role with the national men’s side (in 2010) during his stint as an assistant coach.

Ahmed is set to also work closely with the Pakistan Under-16 and Pakistan-A sides and will assume charge of his position following the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2019 — which will be played in Colombo from September 5 to September 14.

Discussing the development, Ahmed said: “I am thankful to the PCB for trusting me with the important responsibility of grooming and nurturing the future stars of Pakistan cricket.

"Junior cricket is a lifeline for any cricketing nation; as it sees talented youngsters graduate to senior cricket and carry forward the nation's legacy.

“I am excited with this opportunity and look forward to playing my part in Pakistan cricket."