In a move that adds another chapter to the ongoing saga of instability, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has terminated the contract of Test head coach Azhar Mahmood before its scheduled end. The decision, confirmed on December 30, 2025, comes despite Mahmood's contract being valid until the end of the year.
Sudden Termination Shakes Pakistan Cricket Setup
The Pakistan Cricket Board has once again made a dramatic change in its coaching leadership. Azhar Mahmood, who was appointed as the head coach for the Test format, has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect. This action was taken by the PCB's top management, led by Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who has been actively involved in recent cricketing decisions. The news broke on Monday, sending shockwaves through the cricketing community in Pakistan and abroad.
Interestingly, Mahmood's contract was officially set to run until December 31, 2025. His removal, therefore, represents a premature end to his tenure. Reports suggest that the board is not looking for a direct replacement for the Test coaching role at this moment. Instead, the PCB is considering a significant restructuring of the entire coaching system for the national team.
Restructuring and the Search for a New Direction
According to sources within the board, the PCB is now focusing on appointing a single, powerful head coach who will have authority across all three formats of the game—Tests, One-Day Internationals, and T20Is. This marks a potential shift away from the recent model of having separate coaches for white-ball and red-ball cricket. The board's leadership believes a unified coaching structure will bring more consistency and clarity to the team's direction.
The PCB is reportedly in advanced talks with several high-profile foreign coaches to fill this new, all-format role. Names like former Australian cricketer and renowned coach Justin Langer, as well as ex-South African player and coach Gary Kirsten, are said to be in the frame. The board aims to finalize this appointment soon to ensure a smooth transition and preparation for future series.
A History of Instability and the Road Ahead
Azhar Mahmood's sacking is not an isolated incident but part of a persistent pattern of frequent changes in the Pakistan cricket coaching staff. The environment has been marked by volatility, with coaches and captains often facing abrupt exits. This latest decision underscores the challenges the PCB faces in achieving long-term stability and a clear vision for the national team.
The immediate consequence is that the Pakistani Test team is now without a designated head coach. With important series on the horizon, the PCB's next move is crucial. All eyes are now on Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the PCB committee to see who they select as the new supremo to lead Pakistani cricket out of this period of turmoil. The success of this new structural experiment will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, hoping for a return to calmer and more successful days.
