Former Pakistan cricketer Azhar Mahmood has replaced Aaqib Javed as the acting Test coach following Javed's lack of success with the national cricket team.
Mahmood, who was previously the bowling coach of the men's Test team will now oversee everything in the side in his new role, Azhar Mahmood will stay in the role of acting Test coach until the conclusion of his current contract. The 50-year-old takes over from Aaqib Javed as the Test coach.
Under Javed, Pakistan did not have much success, particularly in Test cricket. Shan Masood was the captain of the Pakistan team in the last WTC 2023-25 campaign.
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A New Era Begins Under Azhar Mahmood
Incidentally, Pakistan finished last on the WTC 2023-25 points table, winning just five and losing nine Test matches out of the total 14 matches played. Pakistan lost to Australia, England, Bangladesh and West Indies in the last cycle.
Previously, Javed had succeeded Jason Gillespie after he stepped down as the coach of the Pakistan men's side following his disagreements with PCB. Gillespie had resigned within six months of attaining his job as the coach of the Test side. PCB have had problems retaining foreign coaches after calling them in for a stint with the national side.
The PCB has welcomed the former Pakistan cricketer to his new role via an official statement. The board is backing his experience and exposure to succeed as a coach.
"A seasoned cricketing mind, Azhar Mahmood steps into the role with an impressive portfolio of experience. Having served as the assistant head coach of the national side, Azhar has long been a pivotal part of the team’s strategic core. His deep knowledge of the game, combined with hands-on international exposure and proven success in the English county circuit, make him exceptionally well-suited for this position," the PCB said in an official release.
"His red-ball pedigree is underscored by two County Championship titles—an achievement that speaks volumes about his leadership, tactical acumen and unwavering commitment to excellence. The PCB is confident that under Azhar’s guidance, the red-ball squad will continue to grow in strength, discipline and performance on the global stage," the statement added.
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Pakistan's WTC 2025-27 Schedule
Pakistan are yet to begin their WTC 2025-27 campaign. The first assignment will be a two-match Test series against South Africa later this year. Following South Africa, they will be playing against the Kiwis and Sri Lanka at home while England, West Indies and Bangladesh in away series.
Also Read: Mike Hesson Takes Over as Pakistan’s White-Ball Coach from the Bangladesh Series
