Azhar Mahmood, the head coach of Pakistan’s Test team, served in the role for only one series, and the PCB has decided not to extend his contract, a move that has now been confirmed internally.
Sources said Azhar Mahmood was among Pakistan’s most expensive coaches. He was reportedly earning around Rs7,500,000 per month. The former all rounder, who holds British citizenship, had been associated with the PCB for a long time in different coaching roles.
During the coaching setup of Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, Azhar Mahmood was told that after serving as a deputy role, he would be promoted to head coach. That promise was not fulfilled, which left him deeply unhappy.
A board official had also verbally assured him of the Test team head coach position. However, when no official announcement was made, tensions increased and the situation even hinted at possible legal action.
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According to sources, if the PCB had ended his contract early, it would have had to pay six months’ salary, amounting to several crores of rupees. Because of this, he was given interim charge of the Test team until late June.
Azhar Mahmood officially took charge as head coach during the home series against South Africa in October. Pakistan won the first Test by 93 runs but lost the second by 8 wickets. After this single series, his coaching chapter was closed.
Looking ahead, Pakistan will play nine Test matches in the new World Test Championship cycle. Two Tests against Bangladesh are scheduled in March and April, followed by two matches against West Indies in July and August.
Pakistan will then tour England for three Tests in August and September. In November, Sri Lanka will visit Pakistan for a two Test series.
Despite these important fixtures, the PCB has not yet decided who the next head coach will be, or whether the appointment will be local or foreign. With the next Test still about three months away, the issue is not seen as an immediate priority.
It is worth noting that even after the mentorship system ended, Misbah ul Haq was not released by the board, keeping him among possible options. Meanwhile, Azhar Mahmood is currently working in the UAE as the fast bowling coach of Desert Vipers in the ILT20 league.
The decision reflects PCB’s shifting coaching plans. High costs and unmet promises added pressure. Pakistan still needs clarity before key Test series ahead.
