Azhar Mahmood promoted to Pakistan Test head coach role despite lack of success
Published - 30 Jun 2025, 12:06 PM | Updated - 30 Jun 2025, 12:58 PM
Table of Contents
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has, on Monday, June 30, named the former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the Pakistan National Cricket Team. Azhar Mahmood will serve in this role until the end of his current contract.
Azhar replaces the 1992 World Cup winner Aaqib Javed, who had taken over as Pakistan's red-ball coach after legendary Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie stepped down from the role last year. Mahmood’s first assignment as acting red-ball head coach will be the South Africa Tests.
Azhar Mahmood appointed acting red-ball head coach of the Pakistan National Cricket Team
The former assistant coach will help the Test team to prepare for their next assignment in the new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle as they will take on South Africa in a two-match Test series at home later this year in October and November.
However, the PCB has not revealed anything about Mahmood’s current contract. Azhar, who previously served as assistant coach of the Pakistan National Cricket Team, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the position.
He worked as a coach with Surrey County Cricket Club in England, as well as served as the head coach for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). With two County Championship titles to his name and strong international credentials, the PCB believes that his red-ball expertise will play a key role in strengthening the national team's red-ball performance.
Azhar Mahmood is exceptionally well-suited for this position: PCB
The PCB said in an official media release, “A seasoned cricketing mind, Azhar Mahmood steps into the role with an impressive portfolio of experience. 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.
His red-ball pedigree is underscored by two County Championship titles—an achievement that speaks volumes about his leadership, tactical acumen, and unwavering commitment to excellence. 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.”
Read Also: Ben Duckett exposed by Aakash Chopra after being crowned ‘Best all-format batter in the world’
Asia Cup 2025 set to go ahead despite India-Pakistan tension
Meanwhile, there were serious doubts about the future of the Asia Cup 2025 following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which raised tensions between India and Pakistan. With growing calls for India to boycott matches against Pakistan in both ACC and ICC events, the Asia Cup’s fate was unclear.
However, as per a report by Cricbuzz, the situation has improved, and the organizers are now confident about holding the tournament later this year. The Asia Cup 2025 is expected to take place in September, and an official announcement could come within the next few days.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is also planning to release the full schedule for the six-team event in the first week of July. The upcoming edition of the Asia Cup will be played in the T20 format, and September 10 is being considered as the tentative start date.
Read Also: USA Cricket in deep trouble as ICC threatens suspension over scandalous development
About the Author
Rashmi Wasnik is a passionate content writer with over a decade of experience. She started her journ... Read more
