PCB sacks Pakistan Test coach Azhar Mahmood after poor results: Report

PCB sack Azhar Mahmood [Source: AFP Photo]

In a recent development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly sacked Test team coach Azhar Mahmood after underwhelming results in the last few home series. Following Jason Gillespie's voluntary resignation as Test coach in December 2024, the PCB appointed Mahmood as the acting head coach of the team.

His current contract as the Pakistan cricket coach was set to expire in March 2026, but PCB decided to abruptly part ways as the desired results were not met. According to the reports by journalist Saleem Khaliq, the board was unhappy with how things went with the red-ball team at home, as the performances were not up to the mark.

"Azhar Mahmood’s journey with the Pakistan Test team has come to an end. He served as head coach for only one series, as the PCB has decided not to extend the former all-rounder’s contract," Saleem Khaliq said on X.

However, the report stated that Azhar Mahmood could continue to work as an assistant head coach with the red-ball side.

Pakistan team's performances under Mahmood

Mahmood’s tenure started with Pakistan’s first Test series under the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Pakistan played at home against South Africa as the home side prepared a dust bowl and ran riot to win the first match of the series.

Assuming that the Proteas will crumble in the second Test as well, Pakistan once again prepared a rank-turner, but this time, the tables turned as Keshav Maharaj-led spin attack dismantled the Pakistan batters as the hosts lost the game and allowed the Proteas to level the series.

This was the final nail in the coffin as Mahmood was given every resource possible, but the team surrendered against the reigning WTC champions as the Men in Green now aim to appoint someone else for the rest of the WTC cycle.

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