Azhar Mahmood’s Tenure with Pakistan Test Team Comes to an End

**Lahore:** Azhar Mahmood’s association with the Pakistan Test cricket team has come to an end, as he served as head coach for only a single Test series.

According to a private TV channel, Express News, Azhar Mahmood was among the most expensive local coaches, receiving a monthly salary of approximately Rs 7.5 million in foreign currency. The former all-rounder, who holds British citizenship, had been under contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for a considerable period.

During the coaching era of Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, Azhar Mahmood was reportedly informed that he would be appointed head coach after serving as a deputy. However, when this did not materialize, he became dissatisfied. Sources said a PCB official had verbally assured him of the Test coach position, but the absence of a formal announcement caused concern, and the matter appeared close to legal action.

Had the PCB terminated his contract prematurely, it would have been required to pay six months’ salary, amounting to several crores of rupees. Azhar Mahmood also declined an offer to work with the Under-19 team and was eventually appointed interim Test coach in late June.

He took charge for the first time during the Test series against South Africa in October, where Pakistan won the first Test by 93 runs but lost the second by eight wickets. The PCB has now decided not to extend his contract, bringing Azhar Mahmood’s tenure to an end after just one series, a development confirmed by sources.