Azhar Mahmood named acting red-ball head coach of Pakistan team

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the national men’s cricket team.

The appointment is effective immediately and will remain in place until the end of his current contract in April 2026.

Mahmood, who previously served as assistant head coach, brings significant coaching and playing experience to the role. The PCB praised his deep understanding of the game, citing his international experience and success in England’s County Championship, where he won two titles.

In a statement, the board expressed confidence in Mahmood’s leadership, highlighting his “tactical acumen” and “commitment to excellence,” which it believes will help strengthen the red-ball squad in upcoming international fixtures.

Under Mahmood's guidance, Pakistan is set to launch its ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 campaign with a two-Test home series against South Africa in October-November, followed by an away series in Bangladesh scheduled for March-April 2026.

His appointment follows the resignation of Jason Gillespie in May 2025, who stepped down due to reported communication issues with PCB management. Gillespie was replaced briefly by Aaqib Javed before Mahmood’s confirmation in the role.

Notably, Mahmood was not part of the coaching staff for the T20I series against Bangladesh in May, a series Pakistan won 3-0. Sources suggest his exclusion was linked to the arrival of white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, who was reportedly interested in incorporating staff from Islamabad United, his former franchise.

Mahmood signed a two-year contract with the PCB in April 2024.