Azhar Mahmood Named Pakistan Test Team Head Coach

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the acting head coach of the men's red-ball cricket team, with his tenure set to last until April 2026. Mahmood replaces Aaqib Javed, following the departures of both Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten. Highlighting Mahmood's coaching pedigree, the PCB cited his two County Championship wins as assistant coach with Surrey and his experience in the Pakistan Super League. Mahmood's first assignment will be leading Pakistan in their Test series against South Africa in October. The red-ball team currently sits at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings, and the PCB hopes Mahmood's leadership will help reverse recent poor performances. His appointment marks another chapter in Pakistan cricket's ongoing coaching instability since 2017.