Pakistan cricket fired coach Azhar Mahmood prematurely, who is next?

Azhar Mahmood’s farewell from Pakistan cricket team

New Delhi: Pakistan Cricket Board has removed Azhar Mahmood from his post. Mahmood’s tenure had not yet ended, but he was dismissed about three months before the end of his contract. The move is aimed at implementing Pakistan’s long-term red ball plan, as the team is not scheduled to play any more Tests until March 2026.

Mahmood’s coaching journey

Former Pakistani all-rounder Azhar Mahmood had a limited stint after becoming the coach of the Test team, limited to the home Test series against South Africa. The result of this series was 1-1. According to PCB officials, the decision has been taken not as a dismissal on the basis of performance, but in view of the need for time and clarity to prepare for the upcoming red-ball tour.

Wave of change in Pakistan cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board has started the selection process for the new Test head coach and also plans to review the support staff in the next weeks. The past year has seen a lot of upheaval in the board’s Test cricket system, with interim and divided responsibilities becoming more prevalent. This decision has been taken to give the new coach full preparation time before the overseas series.

Pakistan’s next Test prospects will begin with the tour of Bangladesh in March 2026. This will be followed by series against the West Indies in July 2026 and England in August–September 2026, followed by home tours against Sri Lanka in November–December 2026 and New Zealand in March 2027.