Mahmood, a former Pakistan Test all-rounder, was appointed head coach of the Test side last year on a two-year contract that formally runs until March 2026. However, the PCB has granted him an early release, citing strategic planning considerations rather than any immediate on-field trigger. According to a senior source close to the Board, the decision was influenced by the alignment of coaching contracts with Pakistan’s future Test commitments.
“With Azhar’s contract ending in March and Pakistan’s next Test series also beginning around the same time, the Board believes this is the right moment to plan ahead and identify a long-term head coach for the Test side,” the source said.
Over the past few years, Mahmood has held multiple roles within Pakistan’s national setup, reflecting the PCB’s shifting coaching structure. His appointment as Test head coach followed a period of instability after the Board parted ways with Australian coach Jason Gillespie in early 2024 due to disagreements over selection matters. Since then, Pakistan’s Test team has largely been overseen by interim arrangements involving Mahmood and former fast bowler Aaqib Javed.
With Mahmood’s departure, the PCB has initiated the process of appointing a new Test head coach and is also considering a broader reshuffle of the support staff. The timing is significant, as Pakistan is set to begin its new ICC World Test Championship cycle with an away tour of Bangladesh in March 2026. That series will be followed by tours of the West Indies in July and England in August and September.
The home calendar that follows is equally demanding. Pakistan is scheduled to host Sri Lanka in November–December 2026 before welcoming New Zealand in March 2027, making the upcoming coaching appointment a critical decision for the Board as it looks to reset the red-ball program.
Beyond the men’s Test setup, the PCB is also addressing changes in the women’s national team. The Board is currently searching for a new head coach for the women’s side after opting not to renew Muhammad Wasim’s contract following the ICC Women’s World Cup held in September and October.
The dual coaching transitions underline a broader phase of restructuring within Pakistan cricket. As the PCB looks to establish stability and long-term direction ahead of a packed international schedule, the decisions taken in the coming months are likely to shape the trajectory of both the men’s and women’s teams in the years ahead.
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