The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has parted ways with Test head coach Azhar Mahmood three months before his contract expires, according to sources close to the board. Mahmood’s contract was due to run until March 2026, but an early release was granted, with Pakistan not playing another Test until March next year.
“With Azhar’s contract ending in March and Pakistan’s next Test assignment also starting around that time, it made sense for the board to start planning ahead for a new head coach,” a reliable PCB source was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
The former Pakistan all-rounder was named acting head coach of the Test side in June this year, following a period of interim arrangements after the PCB parted ways with Australian coach Jason Gillespie in early 2024 over selection differences. Mahmood was on a two-year deal with the PCB and has taken on several roles within the national set-up in recent years.
During his tenure as Test head coach, Mahmood oversaw just one series – a credible 1-1 home draw against Test world champions South Africa. “I was appointed by the PCB for a specific term during which I performed my duties with professionalism and dedication,” Mahmood told ESPNcricinfo.
Mahmood’s connection with the national party goes beyond his latest role. He was initially appointed assistant coach of all formats in April 2024, working alongside Gary Kirsten with the white ball teams and Gillespie with the red ball. He also temporarily oversaw the white ball series for a short time. It was his second stint with Pakistan, having previously served as bowling coach under Mickey Arthur from 2016 to 2019.
The PCB has already begun the process of identifying a new Test head coach, with sources suggesting a wider overhaul of the support staff is also possible. Pakistan’s next Test World Cup cycle begins with a tour of Bangladesh in March 2026, followed by tours of the West Indies in July and England in August-September. Home series against Sri Lanka (November–December 2026) and New Zealand (March 2027) are also on the schedule.
Mahmood’s departure underlines the ongoing wave in the leadership of Pakistan’s Test team. Since 2021, the side has had a revolving door of leadership, including periods with interim coaches such as Aaqib Javed and structural changes involving roles such as team director during Mohammad Hafeez’s tenure.
Outside of the national set-up, Mahmood currently serves as the fast bowling coach of ILT20 side Desert Vipers and is expected to make a full return to league coaching. He was previously head coach of Islamabad United in the PSL and assistant coach at Surrey.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
December 30, 2025
