Azhar Mahmood, the Pakistan team Test head coach, has reportedly been removed from his position by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), three months before the expiry of his contract.

The contract of Mahmood, a former Pakistan all-rounder, runs until March 2026, but he has been given an early release. Pakistan's next Test assignment isn't until March 2026.

"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 reliable source close to PCB was quoted by PTI.

Mahmood, who has held various positions in the national team in recent years, was under a two-year contract with the Board. He was appointed head coach of the Test team last year.

According to the source, the PCB has begun searching for a new Test head coach, and the support staff may also undergo an overhaul.

Pakistan's assignments in the ICC World Test Championship begin in March 2026 with a trip to Bangladesh, followed by tours of the West Indies in July and England in August and September. In November-December 2026 and March 2027, Pakistan will host Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

Ever since Jason Gillespie quit his post as Pakistan red-ball coach in early 2024, Pakistan has had Aaqib Javed and Azhar Mahmood as interim coaches for the Test side.

Muhammad Wasim's contract was not extended following the September–October ICC World Cup, hence the PCB is also searching for a new head coach for the national women's squad.