PCB parts ways with Pakistan Test head coach Azhar Mahmood: Report

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has parted methods with the nationwide Take a look at group head coach Azhar Mahmood three months earlier than the expiry of his contract, in line with sources.

The contract of Mahmood, a former Take a look at all-rounder, runs till March 2026, however he has been given an early launch. Pakistan’s subsequent Take a look at project isn’t till March 2026.

“Since Azhar’s contract ends in March and Pakistan’s Take a look at assignments start from March 2026, it will be the perfect for the Board to start out planning forward for a brand new head coach,” a dependable supply near the Board stated.

Mahmood, who has taken up completely different positions within the nationwide group in the previous few years, had a two-year contract working with the Board. He was named head coach of the Take a look at aspect final yr.

The supply stated that the PCB has now began the seek for a brand new head coach of the Take a look at aspect, and there may very well be an overhaul of the assist employees as nicely.

Pakistan’s assignments within the ICC World Take a look at Championship begin in March 2026 with a tour of Bangladesh adopted by excursions 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.

The Take a look at aspect has had interim coaches in Aaqib Javed and Mahmood ever for the reason that PCB and Australian Jason Gillispie parted methods in early 2024 due to variations over choice issues.

The PCB can also be looking out for a head coach for the nationwide girls’s group as Muhammad Wasim’s contract was not renewed after the ICC World Cup in September-October.