Lahore, June 30, 2025: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the Pakistan Men’s national team. He will hold the position until the conclusion of his existing contract in April 2026, during which Pakistan is scheduled to play two key Test series.
In its official statement, the PCB praised Mahmood’s wealth of experience and deep understanding of the game, calling him a “seasoned cricketing mind” with a proven track record. Mahmood has previously served as the assistant coach of the national side and has remained an integral part of Pakistan’s strategic setup over the years.
“His international exposure, tactical insight, and success in English county cricket—including two County Championship titles—highlight his credentials as a red-ball coach,” the PCB said. The board expressed confidence in Mahmood’s leadership and expects the team to thrive under his guidance in terms of performance, discipline, and consistency.
The 50-year-old coach signed a two-year deal with the PCB in April 2024. However, he was left out of the coaching staff for the home T20I series against Bangladesh in May, which Pakistan won 3-0. This decision followed the appointment of Mike Hesson as the new white-ball head coach. Sources suggest Hesson’s existing ties with Islamabad United may have influenced his preference for incorporating familiar faces from franchise cricket, temporarily sidelining Mahmood.
Azhar Mahmood’s appointment comes as Pakistan prepares to launch its ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 campaign. The team is set to host South Africa for a two-match Test series in October–November 2025, followed by a tour to Bangladesh for another two-match series in March–April 2026.
It is worth noting that former Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie was named red-ball head coach in April 2024 but resigned after a brief tenure, citing communication issues with the PCB. Aaqib Javed, a former fast bowler and member of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning squad, had temporarily stepped into the role following Gillespie’s exit.
Mahmood’s appointment signals a return to continuity and familiarity, as the PCB looks to stabilize leadership within its red-ball structure ahead of a demanding Test calendar.
