Azhar Mahmood’s tenure as head coach of Pakistan’s Test team has officially come to an end early, according to ESPNcricinfo.
As per details, appointed as the acting head coach in June 2025, his contract was initially set to run until March 2026.
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However, with no Test matches scheduled until Pakistan’s away series in Bangladesh in March–April next year, both Mahmood and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have mutually agreed to conclude his stint early.
This marks the end of a longer association for the former all-rounder with the national team.
Mahmood first joined Pakistan as an all-formats assistant coach in April 2024, supporting Gary Kirsten with the white-ball sides and Jason Gillespie with the red-ball team.
He also led a white-ball series earlier that month in an interim capacity.
READ: Azhar Mahmood takes over as test coach of Pakistan Cricket
During his acting tenure as Test head coach, Mahmood oversaw only one series: a home Test series against reigning world champions South Africa, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
“I was appointed by the PCB for a specific tenure, during which I carried out my responsibilities with professionalism and dedication,” Mahmood told ESPNcricinfo.
“My contract has now come to an end, and I extend my best wishes to the team for their continued success in their future endeavours,” he added.
This was Mahmood’s second stint with the Pakistan team, having previously served as a bowling coach during Mickey Arthur’s tenure between 2016 and 2019.
Currently, Mahmood is the fast-bowling coach for the Desert Vipers in the ILT20, and a return to coaching roles in league cricket appears likely.
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He has also previously served as head coach for Islamabad United in the PSL and as assistant coach at Surrey before joining Pakistan’s setup.
His departure continues the turnover in the management of Pakistan’s Test side.
While there is no immediate urgency, the PCB will begin the search for the team’s eighth head coach since 2021, a period that also saw structural changes in the coaching setup, including stints under Mohammad Hafeez as team director and Grant Bradburn as coach with Arthur serving as team director.
