Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has concluded his tenure with the national Test side as interim head coach, with both parties mutually agreeing to end the arrangement ahead of schedule, 24NewsHD TV reported on Tuesday.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Azhar was appointed acting head coach of Pakistan’s red-ball team in June this year, with his contract initially set to run until March 2026.
However, in the absence of any Test cricket until Pakistan’s away tour of Bangladesh scheduled for March–April next year, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Azhar agreed that there was no immediate need to continue the interim role.
The decision brings an end to Azhar Mahmood’s extended association with Pakistan’s coaching setup over the past year.
He had first joined the national side in April 2024 as an all-formats assistant coach, working under Gary Kirsten with the white-ball teams and alongside Jason Gillespie with the Test squad.
Following the premature departures of both Kirsten and Gillespie, the PCB elevated Azhar to the role of interim Test head coach, entrusting him with guiding the red-ball side during a transitional phase.
During his brief tenure in charge, Azhar oversaw just one Test assignment, but delivered a respectable outcome as Pakistan secured a 1–1 draw in a home series against reigning world Test champions South Africa.
Reflecting on his stint, Azhar said he had fulfilled his responsibilities with commitment and professionalism.
“I was appointed by the PCB for a specific tenure, during which I carried out my responsibilities with professionalism and dedication,” Azhar Mahmood told ESPNcricinfo.
“My contract has now come to an end, and I extend my best wishes to the team for their continued success in their future endeavours.”
This marked Azhar Mahmood’s second stint with Pakistan’s national team in a coaching capacity.
He previously served as the team’s bowling coach during Mickey Arthur’s tenure between 2016 and 2019, further underlining his long-standing association with Pakistan cricket.