In a significant move, Pakistan has appointed former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the interim head coach of the Test team, marking the fourth change in leadership for the squad in just 18 months.
The 50-year-old is set to hold onto his role until January, as confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Mahmood, a dynamic pace-bowling all-rounder, showcased his skills in 143 one-day internationals and 21 Tests for Pakistan. Since last year, he has taken on the role of assistant coach, continuing to contribute to the game from the sidelines.
“In a recent press release, the PCB has officially appointed Mahmood as the acting head coach for the Pakistan men’s red-ball team,” the statement revealed.
In a significant coaching shake-up, Mahmood steps in for Aaqib Javed, who held the reins as interim head coach during the Test series in South Africa last December-January and the home series against the West Indies.
Javed has departed following Pakistan’s dismal performance, as they succumbed in all four Tests and ultimately landed at the bottom of the standings in the third cycle of the World Test Championship.
Javed has stepped into the role previously held by former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie, who departed just six months into his tenure in December 2024 due to disagreements with the PCB.
Before Gillespie’s appointment, the role of team director was held by former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, who witnessed his side suffer a disappointing 3-0 Test series defeat in Australia.
Monday’s appointment marks a significant move in the PCB’s strategy to revitalize the national team’s performance following a challenging two-year period.
In a significant move for New Zealand cricket, Mike Hesson has been appointed as the white-ball head coach for a two-year term, marking a new chapter for the team.
Pakistan is set to welcome South Africa for their opening series of the new World Test Championship cycle this October, followed by a clash against Sri Lanka in December and January.
