Major shake-up in Pakistan cricket! PCB sacks red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood three months before expiry

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has parted ways with Azhar Mahmood as the head coach of the national Test team. His contract was ended three months before expiry, even though it was scheduled to run until March 2026. The PCB took this step as Pakistan have no Test matches in the near future.

Pakistan’s next Test assignment will begin in March 2026 with a tour of Bangladesh. The team will then play an away series against West Indies in July and England in August and September. Pakistan are also set to host Sri Lanka and New Zealand during the 2026–27 season.

According to PTI, Azhar Mahmood was appointed as an acting head coach in June 2025. A senior PCB source said the board decided to end the contract early to find a long-term Test coach and build a proper support staff for the next ICC World Test Championship cycle.

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PCB Ends Azhar Mahmood’s Tenure Early

“With no Tests scheduled until March 2026, it makes sense to start the search early and put a proper structure in place,” a PCB source said. Azhar Mahmood was given a two-year contract last year after being appointed as Pakistan’s Test head coach.

The former Pakistan all-rounder has served in several roles within the national team in recent years. After the PCB ended its association with Australian coach Jason Gillespie over selection issues, Pakistan’s Test side was handled through interim arrangements involving Azhar Mahmood and Aaqib Javed. Mahmood’s time as Test coach included one home Test series against South Africa, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

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PCB Begins Search for New Test Coach

The PCB has now started the process of appointing a new Test head coach and is also expected to review the support staff. Officials have made it clear that the decision was based on timing, not performance, as there is a long gap in Pakistan’s Test calendar.

The PCB wants the new Test head coach to get enough time to plan for the future. The board aims to improve team preparation, player workload management, and leadership stability. With the next World Test Championship cycle coming up, the PCB is keen to avoid short-term arrangements and put a clear red-ball structure in place well in advance.