Azhar Mahmood Tapped as Interim Test Coach for Pakistan After Gillespie Exit

Azhar Mahmood Appointed Acting Head Coach for Pakistan's Test Team

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

Azhar Mahmood previously served as assistant coach © Getty

Mahmood, aged 50, initially joined the team as an assistant coach across all formats last year. This decision follows the departure of Gary Kirsten from the white-ball head coach position in October 2024, and subsequently, Jason Gillespie from the Test head coach role.

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