‘Broke’ PCB desperate to sack Azhar Mahmood, but fails due to money crisis

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly looking to part ways with interim Test coach Azhar Mahmood, but is facing challenges due to a contract signed under the previous administration. According to a report by PTI, Mahmood continues to serve as the interim head coach of Pakistan’s Test team.

Mahmood has been serving as Pakistan’s all-format assistant coach since April 2024. He was recently appointed as the interim head coach. The PCB stated that the former all-rounder would remain in his role until his contract ends in March 2026, but the situation appears to be more complicated than it seems.

Azhar Mahmood’s Contract Prevents Early Dismissal

The Pakistan Cricket Board is facing a major hurdle in parting ways with Azhar Mahmood due to a costly contract signed by the previous administration. Notably, the board has to pay a payout equivalent to six months' salary, approximately PKR 45 million (USD 160,000), for early termination.

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Azhar, who reportedly earns about PKR 7.5 million per month in US dollars, is among the highest-paid coaches in the country’s cricket history. Although he offered to shift to the U19 team to ease the situation, the proposal was rejected.

"Which is why the PCB recently named him as interim head coach of the national red-ball team until his contract expires next year in April-May," the source said.

Mike Hesson Declines to Include Azhar Mahmood in Support Staff

Newly appointed white-ball head coach Mike Hesson declined to include Azhar Mahmood in his support staff. Azhar was assured during Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie’s tenures that he would eventually be promoted to head coach. The PCB must now find a role for Azhar to justify his high salary.

"The problem arose when Mike Hesson, the recently-appointed white-ball head coach made it clear he would have his own support staff and Azhar was not among his selections."

"This left the PCB with a major problem of how to utilise Azhar’s expertise to justify paying him such a handsome salary, as even if they wanted they couldn't release him without the six months of compensation," the source added.

Azhar Mahmood Unhappy with PCB Functioning, Internal Opposition Blocks Junior Team Role

Azhar Mahmood is dissatisfied with the current functioning of the PCB. He expressed interest in working with the national junior team, but internal opposition has prevented his reassignment.

Former pacer Aaqib Javed, who is a selector and head of the National Cricket Academy, is said to be unimpressed with Azhar's coaching approach. To continue his ongoing contract, the PCB has temporarily appointed Azhar as the interim head coach of the Test team.

"(Former pacer) Aaqib Javed, who is now a selector and head of the national cricket academy and close to the board chairman, is not impressed with his (Azhar's) coaching style. But to justify his contract for the time being, they have named him as interim head coach of the Test side."

Also read: Bangladesh and Afghanistan in talks for white-ball series in UAE in October 2025