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Image courtesy of Hamza Ejaz (@HamzaEjaz367) via X (formerly Twitter)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named former international all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the new head coach for the national Test team. Mahmood, who has previously served as both assistant and bowling coach for Pakistan, steps into the role ahead of the team’s upcoming tour of New Zealand.


His appointment follows a period of instability, with multiple coaching changes disrupting the team’s setup. Most recently, Aaqib Javed had been acting as the interim red-ball coach after the departure of Australian Jason Gillespie in December 2024. Gillespie reportedly stepped down due to miscommunication issues and dissatisfaction with the non-renewal of his high-performance staff.

Azhar’s selection is part of the PCB’s effort to bring stability to the Test side, even as the board continues its search for a long-term coaching solution.