Azhar Mahmood appointed acting red-ball head coach of Pakistan
Azhar Mahmood
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the national men’s team.
He will serve in this role until the end of his current contract, which runs through April 2026. During this tenure, Pakistan is scheduled to play two Test series.
Pakistan's Akram praises his statue amid social media flak
12 Jun 25
In its official announcement, the PCB emphasized Mahmood’s extensive experience both on the field and in coaching roles.
“A seasoned cricketing mind, Azhar Mahmood steps into the role with an impressive portfolio of experience,” the PCB noted, highlighting his previous role as assistant coach of the national side and his involvement in the team’s strategic planning.
The PCB further praised Mahmood's red-ball expertise, referencing his success in the English County Championship, where he won two titles. “This achievement reflects his leadership, strategic insight, and dedication to excellence,” the board stated.
The 50-year-old, who signed a two-year deal with the PCB in April 2024, will now guide the team into their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 campaign. Pakistan’s WTC journey begins with a home series against South Africa in October-November 2025, followed by a two-Test tour of Bangladesh in early 2026.
