In a significant development, the Pakistan Cricket Board is set to move on from interim red-ball coach Azhar Mahmood. As per 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 till April-May next year, but reports suggest that 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 made a good start by winning the first Test in Lahore by 93 runs within four days.
The second Test in Rawalpindi went the other way. South African 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 achieved the target and won by eight wickets.
This was Pakistan’s first series in the new World Test Championship cycle of 2025–27. With one win and one loss, they are currently in fifth place. Pakistan have never reached the WTC final in the first three editions, and they will hope to improve their position as the new cycle continues.
PCB has decided not to continue Azhar Mahmood as interim Test coach
The Pakistan Cricket Board has decided not to continue Mahmood as the interim head coach of the Test team. According to Pakistani journalist Salim Khaliq, his contract will not be renewed.
Mahmood led Pakistan for only one Test series, before the board decided to move in a different direction. Khaliq said Mahmood’s journey with the Test team has officially ended.
“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.” Salim Khaliq wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
PCB breaks ties with Azhar Mahmood
– PCB has decided not to extend the contract of Azhar Mahmood.
-Azhar Mahmood’s journey with Pakistan team has ended. (Salim Khaliq) pic.twitter.com/TubWldK417
– Sherry. (@CallMeSheri1_) 14 December 2025
Mahmood is the seventh person to become the coach of Pakistan’s Test team from 2021 onwards
Mahmood took charge of the Test team from Aaqib Javed, who stepped in following the sudden resignation of Jason Gillespie. Mahmood becomes the seventh person to coach Pakistan’s Test team from 2021 onwards.
There have been many leadership changes in PCB also. Since 2021, four different chairmen have led the board. This constant change at the top has made it difficult for Pakistan cricket to establish a stable direction.
Mahmood brought a lot of sports experience to this job. He played 23 Tests and 143 ODIs for Pakistan, taking 162 wickets and scoring over 2,400 runs. He also played county cricket and even appeared in the IPL.
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