Misbah-ul-Haq and Mike Hesson have emerged as leading candidates to become Pakistan’s next Test head coach as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) moves on from Azhar Mahmood, sources told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).
The PCB has decided not to extend Mahmood’s contract, clearing the way for a fresh appointment ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming red-ball assignments.
PCB now has an option of appointing Misbah-ul-Haq as Test coach or give New Zealander Mike Hesson the post for all three formats.
PCB Decision Brings Mahmood Tenure to an End
Azhar Mahmood was appointed acting head coach of Pakistan’s men’s Test side in June this year, a move designed to allow him to complete his existing contract, which runs until March next year. However, following an internal review, the board opted against continuing with the former allrounder.
After overall assessment, the PCB has decided to not continue with Mahmood, who will be paid his dues till March next year.
Sources said the PCB was limited in its options earlier in the year due to Mahmood’s contract.
PCB was in a Catch-22 situation over Mahmood as they could not sack him because they would have had to pay his full dues, so he continued after June.
Mahmood served as interim head coach during Pakistan’s home Test series against South Africa in October, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Bangladesh Defeat A Key Factor
Mahmood was part of the coaching setup as assistant coach under Jason Gillespie when Pakistan suffered a 2-0 home Test series defeat to Bangladesh in August–September 2024; Pakistan’s first-ever Test series loss to Bangladesh. That result is understood to have weighed heavily in the PCB’s evaluation of the coaching structure.
Eighth Test Coach Since 2021
The incoming appointment will be the eighth head coach of Pakistan’s Test team since 2021, highlighting the board’s continued struggle for stability in the role. Mahmood, 50, represented Pakistan in 143 ODIs and 21 Tests between 1996 and 2016, finishing with 162 international wickets and three centuries. He has since coached across multiple leagues and international setups and is currently the bowling coach of Desert Vipers in the UAE’s ILT20 league.
Busy Test Schedule Ahead
Pakistan’s next red-ball assignment is a two-Test series in Bangladesh in late March, which is expected to be rescheduled due to the Pakistan Super League 2026 being scheduled for the same window. Pakistan will then tour the West Indies for two Tests in July, followed by a three-Test series in England.
