Introduction: A Strategic Move by PCB
In a significant move aimed at revamping the national Test team structure, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Azhar Mahmood, a former international all-rounder, as the acting head coach of the red-ball (Test) team. This appointment will be valid for the duration of the existing coaching contract, signaling a strong push towards stability and strategic planning in Pakistan’s longer format of the game.
Azhar Mahmood, known for his cricketing intelligence and successful coaching tenure, brings a wealth of experience both as a player and a mentor. With a firm focus on improving the Test side’s international performance, the PCB has shown confidence in Azhar’s ability to revitalize Pakistan’s red-ball cricket.
Azhar Mahmood: A Profile of Versatility and Experience
Playing Career: An International All-Rounder
Azhar Mahmood enjoyed a distinguished international career for Pakistan between 1996 and 2007. Primarily known for his skills as a fast-bowling all-rounder, Azhar played 21 Test matches, scoring 900 runs at an average of 30.00 and taking 39 wickets. In One-Day Internationals (ODIs), he featured in 143 games, amassing 1,520 runs and claiming 123 wickets.
One of the highlights of his Test career includes three centuries, two of which came against South Africa early in his career. His aggressive yet technically sound batting style made him a valuable lower-middle-order contributor, while his medium-fast bowling provided Pakistan with a reliable fifth-bowling option.
County Cricket Success in England
After his international career, Azhar Mahmood became a sought-after player in English County Cricket, representing Surrey and Kent. His exploits in the county circuit are well-regarded, having contributed to two County Championship titles, showcasing his adaptability and leadership skills.
He also played in various T20 leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and Big Bash League (BBL), becoming one of Pakistan’s most successful T20 journeymen.
Coaching Journey: From Assistant Coach to Head Coach
Previous Role with the Pakistan National Team
Azhar previously served as the bowling coach of the Pakistan men’s national team between 2016 and 2019. During this period, he played an instrumental role in improving the performances of several key bowlers, including Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Under his guidance, Pakistan won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, defeating India in the final.
His coaching tenure was marked by strategic clarity, professionalism, and a player-first approach, earning him respect in both domestic and international cricket circles.
Temporary Omission and Return to Leadership
Interestingly, Azhar Mahmood was excluded from the coaching panel during the home Test series against Bangladesh in May 2025, a move that raised questions among cricket fans and pundits alike. However, his reinstatement as acting head coach of the Test side reflects the PCB’s realization of his value and the urgent need for experienced leadership in the red-ball format.
PCB’s Vision: Focus on Red-Ball Cricket Development
A Commitment to Test Cricket
The PCB, in its official statement, reiterated its commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s performance in Test cricket, especially after a string of inconsistent results in recent series. With the appointment of Azhar Mahmood, the board hopes to bring greater structure, discipline, and competitiveness to the Test side.
“Azhar Mahmood brings with him a proven track record, strategic depth, and a deep understanding of international cricket. Under his guidance, we aim to rebuild our Test squad into a more organized and formidable unit,” stated the PCB.
Upcoming Test Series
Pakistan is expected to play several important Test series in the upcoming months, including away tours against South Africa and England. These high-stakes contests will test Azhar’s leadership and the readiness of the red-ball squad.
Expectations from Azhar Mahmood’s Tenure
Talent Development and Player Performance
With Pakistan having a large pool of talented players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abdullah Shafique, and Naseem Shah, one of Azhar Mahmood’s key responsibilities will be to nurture young talent, refine existing skills, and instill a winning mentality.
Given his background as an all-rounder, he is expected to pay close attention to balance in the playing XI, developing a strong pace attack, and ensuring batting consistency in the top and middle order.
Restoring Test Dominance at Home and Abroad
Pakistan’s recent Test performances, especially away from home, have been a mixed bag. Losses in Australia and England have been attributed to tactical errors, poor field placements, and inconsistent batting. Azhar Mahmood is expected to address these issues with better strategic planning, tailored training sessions, and data-driven performance analysis.
Player and Fan Reactions
The appointment has been largely welcomed by players and fans alike. Several former cricketers, including Waqar Younis and Ramiz Raja, have expressed support for the decision, highlighting Azhar’s tactical acumen and man-management skills.
Social media platforms were also flooded with positive reactions, with fans hoping for a revival in Pakistan’s Test cricket era.
The Bigger Picture: Coaching in Transition
Short-Term Appointment with Long-Term Implications
While the role is currently defined as “acting head coach”, it is widely believed that PCB may consider making Azhar’s role permanent depending on the performance of the Test side in the next two series. If the team shows marked improvement, both in results and style of play, a contract extension is highly likely.
Potential Collaborations
Azhar Mahmood is also expected to work closely with other coaching staff, including analysts, batting coaches, and fitness trainers, to develop a holistic high-performance environment. With modern cricket being more data-intensive and strategy-driven, his international exposure and T20 league experience will be valuable assets in building a well-rounded team.
Conclusion: A Fresh Chapter for Pakistan’s Test Team
The appointment of Azhar Mahmood as acting head coach of the Pakistan men’s Test team marks a significant development in the national cricket setup. With a rich background in playing and coaching, both domestically and internationally, Azhar brings the right blend of experience, leadership, and tactical insight.
As Pakistan looks to climb the ICC Test rankings and re-establish its presence as a formidable red-ball side, much will depend on how effectively Azhar Mahmood can implement change, inspire performance, and maintain consistency. Cricket fans across Pakistan will now be watching closely as a new era of Test cricket unfolds under his leadership.
