Pakistan Head Coach Steps Down

Former Pakistani cricketer, Azhar Mahmood, has stepped down as Head Coach of Pakistan’s Test team, bringing his brief tenure in the role to an end.

Appointed as acting head coach in June 2025, Mahmood’s contract was originally set to run until March 2026. However, with no Test matches scheduled until Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh in March–April 2026, a mutual decision was made to conclude his stint early.

This marks the end of a long-standing association between Azhar Mahmood and the Pakistan team. He first joined the national setup in April 2024 as an all-formats assistant coach, supporting Gary Kirsten with white-ball sides and Jason Gillespie with the Test team. He also led a white-ball series on an interim basis that same month.

During his acting tenure as Test head coach, Mahmood oversaw a single series, guiding Pakistan to a commendable 1-1 home draw against reigning world Test champions South Africa.

“I was appointed by the PCB for a specific tenure, during which I carried out my responsibilities with professionalism and dedication,” Mahmood said. “My contract has now ended, and I wish the team continued success in the future.”

This is Mahmood’s second stint with the national team; he previously served as Pakistan’s bowling coach under Mickey Arthur from 2016 to 2019.

Currently, he is the fast-bowling coach for the Desert Vipers in the ILT20, and he is expected to continue coaching in franchise leagues. He has also held positions as head coach of Islamabad United in the PSL and assistant coach at Surrey.

Mahmood’s departure continues the trend of frequent changes in Pakistan’s national team management. The PCB is expected to begin its search for the country’s eighth Test head coach since 2021, following multiple changes in the coaching and management structure, including periods under team directors Mohammad Hafeez and Grant Bradburn.