Pakistan head coach Azhar Mahmood sacked before contract ends; replacement yet to be finalized

In a significant development, the Pakistan Cricket Board is preparing to move on from interim red-ball coach Azhar Mahmood. According to the latest reports, the board is not planning to renew his contract and is looking to part ways with the former all-rounder, whose contract officially expires in April-May next year.

Jason Gillespie stepped down as Pakistan’s Test coach, and Azhar Mahmood was brought in as a temporary replacement. The former Pakistan all-rounder joined the Test team in June 2025. His contract will run until April-May next year, but reports suggest the Pakistan Cricket Board may not continue with him after that.

Pakistan’s Two-Match Test Series Against South Africa Ended in a 1-1 Draw

Pakistan’s two-match Test series against South Africa ended in a 1-1 draw. Pakistan started well by winning the first Test in Lahore by 93 runs inside four days.

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The second Test in Rawalpindi went the other way. South Africa’s spinner Simon Harmer took 6 for 50 as Pakistan were bowled out for only 138 in the second innings. South Africa had to chase a small target of 68 runs, and they chased down the target to win by eight wickets.

This was Pakistan’s first series in the new World Test Championship cycle for 2025-27. With one win and one loss, they are currently in fifth place. Pakistan have never reached a WTC final in the first three editions, and they will hope to improve their position as the new cycle continues.

PCB Decides Not to Continue with Azhar Mahmood as Interim Test Coach

The Pakistan Cricket Board has decided not to continue with Mahmood as the Test team’s interim head coach. According to Pakistani journalist Saleem Khaliq, his contract will not be renewed.

Mahmood led Pakistan for only one Test series before the board chose to move in a different direction. Khaliq stated that Mahmood’s journey with the Test side has officially concluded.

"Azhar Mahmood’s journey with the Pakistan Test team has come to an end. He served as head coach for only one series, as the PCB has decided not to extend the former all-rounder’s contract," Saleem Khaliq wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

🚨 PCB PARTS WAYS WITH AZHAR MAHMOOD 🚨

- PCB has decided not to extend Azhar Mahmood’s contract.

- Azhar Mahmood’s journey with the Pakistan team has come to an end. (Saleem Khaliq) pic.twitter.com/TubWldK417

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) December 14, 2025

Mahmood, the Seventh Person to Coach Pakistan’s Test Side Since 2021

Mahmood took over the Test team after Aaqib Javed, who stepped in when Jason Gillespie suddenly resigned. Mahmood became the seventh person to coach Pakistan’s Test side since 2021.

The PCB has also gone through many leadership changes. Since 2021, four different chairmen have led the board. This constant change at the top has made it hard for Pakistan cricket to have a steady direction.

Mahmood brought a lot of playing experience to the job. He played 23 Tests and 143 ODIs for Pakistan, taking 162 wickets and scoring more than 2,400 runs. He also played county cricket and even appeared in the IPL.

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