Pakistan Cricket Board reportedly released Test head coach Azhar Mahmood three months before his contract ended as preparations began for Pakistan’s next Test cycle in 2026.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has released Azhar Mahmood from the Test head coach position ahead of schedule. According to reports from News18 CricketNext, his contract was valid until March 2026, but the board chose an early separation. Pakistan does not have a Test series before March 2026, which influenced the decision.
Mahmood, a former Test all-rounder, served the team in multiple roles in recent years. He took charge of the Test side last year on a two-year deal. With the next red-ball cycle approaching, the board has started planning for the future. The PCB has also begun identifying candidates for a new Test head coach.
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Notably, the Test team has operated with interim coaching arrangements since early 2024. Aaqib Javed and Azhar Mahmood shared responsibilities after the exit of Jason Gillespie due to selection disagreements. The PCB is also searching for a new head coach for the women’s national team. Muhammad Wasim’s contract ended after the ICC Women’s World Cup in September and October.
Pakistan’s next cycle in the ICC World Test Championship begins in March 2026 with an away series in Bangladesh. Tours of the West Indies in July and England in August and September will follow. Later in the year, Pakistan will host Sri Lanka in November and December. New Zealand is scheduled to tour Pakistan in March 2027.
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