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New Delhi: Eyeing overhaul and support staff restructuring, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has parted ways with the team's Test head coach Azhar Mahmood. Amid a lot of noise regarding the search for new Test head coach, Pakistan cricket confirmed the decision on Tuesday letting go of Mahmood three months before the expiry of his contract.
According to sources, Mahmood's contract was set to expire in March 2026 but until the month, Pakistan do not play any Test cricket as their next assignment in the longest format will be in the second quarter of next year. This is the reason why the former Test all-rounder has been handed an early release by the board.
A reliable source confirmed the development to news agency PTI that they have begun the search for a new Test head coach and will soon finalise a name for the role. 'Since Azhar’s contract ends in March and Pakistan’s Test assignments begin from March 2026, it would be the best for the Board to start planning ahead for a new head coach,' the source confirmed.
Mahmood, who took up varied positions in the national team in the last few years, had a two-year contract running with the board. He was named head coach of the Test side last year but failed to achieve much success. Apart from a new Test head coach, the PCB has also started the search for a fresh support staff as they are planning for an overall overhaul.
Pakistan’s assignments in the ICC World Test Championship start in March 2026 with a tour of Bangladesh followed by tours to West Indies in July and England in August-September. In November-December 2026 and March 2027, Pakistan will host Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
In addition to this, the PCB is also on the lookout for a head coach for the national women's team as Muhammad Wasim’s contract was not renewed after the ICC World Cup in September-October.
(With PTI inputs)
