The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to end its association with Azhar Mahmood as the team’s Test coach, leaving the position vacant at the moment. The former Pakistan cricketer, who has served in various roles across formats in the past, was named head coach for the longest format of the game last year after the departure of Jason Gillespie. The PCB is now on the hunt for a new head coach before Pakistan’s next Test series.
Pakistan part ways with Azhar Mahmood
As per news agency PTI, the PCB noted that Pakistan weren’t due to play a Test series until March 2026 while Mahmood’s contract expires in the same month. Explaining the rationale behind releasing the former Pakistan coach early, the PCB said that it would be best for the board to start planning ahead for a new coach before the next Test series. The report further states that the PCB has initiated the search for a new head coach and might even overhaul the support staff before the next Test assignment.
“Since Azhar’s contract ends in March and Pakistan’s Test assignments begin from March 2026, it would be best for the Board to start planning ahead for a new head coach,” a source close to the PCB said.
Mahmood, found himself in the coaching spotlight after the dismissal of Mohammed Hafeez. He was given the opportunity to coach Pakistan in April 2024 for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand at home.
Pakistan Coaches after 2019 World cup
| Coaches | Duration |
| Misbah-ul-Haq | 2019–2021 |
| Saqlain Mushtaq | 2021–2023 |
| Abdul Rehman | 2023 |
| Grant Bradburn | 2023 |
| Mohammad Hafeez | 2023–2024 |
| Azhar Mahmood | 2024 |
