The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the Pakistan men’s team.

Mahmood will serve in the current role until the conclusion of his contract in April 2026.

In the previous World Test Championship, Pakistan tested various options in this role without any positive results.

Before Mahmood’s appointment, Aaqib Javed was the team’s interim head coach for all formats, who had failed to deliver after performing double duties as selector and coach during the past six months, and left the job following this ICC Champions Trophy 2025 failure in February-March.

The PCB announced Mahmood’s appointment in a press release.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board today announces Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the Pakistan men’s team,” a PCB press release read.

“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,” the PCB added.

The board praised Mahmood’s deep knowledge of the game, along with hands-on international experience and his success in the English county circuit.

“His red-ball pedigree was underscored by two County Championship titles, an achievement that speaks volumes about his leadership, tactical acumen and unwavering commitment to excellence,” the press release concluded.

It is not the first time that Azhar has been given important responsibility in the Pakistan team’s coaching setup, he has served several stints in different coaching roles for the Green Shirts before, the latest being as the national side’s head coach for the five-match Twenty20 International series against New Zealand in April of last year.

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