The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has parted ways with national Test head coach Azhar Mahmood, three months before his contract was set to expire, according to sources. Mahmood’s contract ran until March 2026, but he has been given an early release.

"Since Azhar's contract ends in March and Pakistan's Test assignments begin from March 2026, it would be best for the Board to start planning ahead for a new head coach," a source close to the Board said.

Mahmood, a former Test all-rounder, had held various coaching roles within the national team over the past few years. He was appointed head coach of the Test side last year under a two-year contract.

The PCB has now begun searching for a new head coach for the Test team, with an overhaul of the support staff also possible. Pakistan’s upcoming ICC World Test Championship assignments begin in March 2026 with a tour of Bangladesh, followed by tours to West Indies in July and England in August–September. Later, Pakistan will host Sri Lanka in November–December 2026 and New Zealand in March 2027.

Since the departure of Australian Jason Gillespie in early 2024 due to differences over selection matters, Pakistan’s Test team has been managed by interim coaches Aaqib Javed and Azhar Mahmood.

In addition, the PCB is also seeking a head coach for the national women’s team, as Muhammad Wasim’s contract was not renewed following the ICC Women’s World Cup in September–October.