The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has parted ways with national Test team head coach Azhar Mahmood nearly three months before the expiry of his contract, according to sources familiar with the development cited by news agency PTI.
Mahmood’s contract was due to run until March 2026, but the former Test all-rounder has been granted an early release. Pakistan’s next Test assignment is also scheduled for March 2026.
Board looks to plan ahead for next Test cycle
A source close to the PCB said the decision was taken with an eye on long-term planning. “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,” the source said.
Mahmood, who has held multiple roles within the national setup over the past few years, was appointed Test head coach last year on a two-year contract.
Following his exit, the PCB has begun the process of identifying a new head coach for the Test side, with the possibility of a wider overhaul of the support staff also under consideration.
Busy Test calendar from March 2026
Pakistan’s next cycle in the ICC World Test Championship begins with a tour of Bangladesh in March 2026, followed by tours of the West Indies in July and England in August-September.
Later in the cycle, Pakistan are scheduled to host Sri Lanka in November-December 2026 and New Zealand in March 2027.
The Test side has largely operated under interim arrangements in recent times, with Aaqib Javed and Azhar Mahmood sharing coaching responsibilities after the PCB parted ways with Australian Jason Gillespie in early 2024 over differences related to selection matters.
Search also on for women’s team head coach
Separately, the PCB is also in the market for a head coach for the national women’s team after Muhammad Wasim’s contract was not renewed following the ICC Women’s World Cup held in September-October.
The twin coaching searches underline a broader reset underway within Pakistan cricket as the Board looks to put long-term structures in place ahead of a packed international calendar.
(With inputs from PTI)
