Azhar Mahmood Named Interim Head Coach for Pakistan's Test Squad

Azhar Mahmood Steps Up as Interim Test Coach for Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the appointment of Azhar Mahmood as the acting head coach for the national Test team. Mahmood, a veteran of 21 Test matches and 143 ODIs for Pakistan, will lead the red-ball squad until his current contract with the PCB concludes.

Mahmood was brought in as the assistant coach last year © Getty

Mahmood, aged 50, initially joined the team as an assistant coach across all formats last year. This appointment follows a series of coaching changes, including Gary Kirsten's departure as the white-ball head coach in October 2024, and Jason Gillespie's subsequent resignation as Test head coach.

Following Gillespie's exit, former fast bowler Aquib Javed briefly took charge for the South African tour at the end of the previous year. In May, the PCB appointed Mike Hesson as the new white-ball coach. Mahmood's tenure as the interim Test coach will extend until the end of his contract in April 2026. His first major assignment will be a home series against South Africa scheduled for later this year.

The PCB released a statement highlighting Mahmood's qualifications: "His deep knowledge of the game, combined with hands-on international exposure and proven success in the English county circuit, make him exceptionally well-suited for this position."

The statement further emphasized Mahmood's achievements in red-ball cricket: "His red-ball pedigree is underscored by two County Championship titles - an achievement that speaks volumes about his leadership, tactical acumen and unwavering commitment to excellence. The PCB is confident that under Azhar's guidance, the red-ball squad will continue to grow in strength, discipline and performance on the global stage."