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.

Azhar Mahmood has been appointed the acting red-ball head coach of the Pakistan men's national team. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Mahmood will serve in the role until the conclusion of his current contract, which spans Pakistan's upcoming Test assignments against South Africa in October and Sri Lanka in December-January—both at home.

Mahmood, who has been Pakistan’s assistant coach since April last year, previously took charge as head coach during the T20I series at home against New Zealand earlier this year. The 50-year-old former all-rounder represented Pakistan in 143 ODIs and 21 Tests from 1996, retiring with 162 international wickets and three centuries to his name.

“A seasoned cricketing mind, Azhar Mahmood steps into the role with an impressive portfolio of experience,” the PCB noted in a statement. “Having served as the assistant head coach of the national side, Azhar has long been a pivotal part of the team's strategic core. His deep knowledge of the game, combined with hands-on international exposure and proven success in the English county circuit, make him exceptionally well-suited for this position."

A Leadership Role Rooted in Experience

“His red-ball pedigree is underscored by two County Championship titles [with Surrey]—an achievement that speaks volumes about his leadership, tactical acumen, and unwavering commitment to excellence,” the PCB added. “The PCB is confident that under Azhar's guidance, the red-ball squad will continue to grow in strength, discipline, and performance on the global stage."

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Pakistan has not had a full-time Test head coach since Jason Gillespie stepped down in December 2024, just six months into his tenure. Aaqib Javed then served as interim head coach for the tours to South Africa and the home series against the West Indies. He also stepped in temporarily for the white-ball squad after Gary Kirsten’s resignation in October 2024. Mike Hesson has since taken over that role. Pakistan ended the last WTC cycle at the bottom of the table, with only five wins in 14 matches.