Azhar Mahmood takes charge as acting head coach of Pakistan Test team

The former allrounder will guide the side through their upcoming home assignments against South Africa in October and Sri Lanka across December and January.

The appointment isn't a jarring change - it's a natural step forward. Mahmood, 50, had already been part of the setup as assistant coach since early 2024, initially stepping in ahead of the white-ball tour to New Zealand. Now, he moves into the top job, at least for the red-ball format, carrying with him two decades of cricketing insight and a career that spanned 143 ODIs and 21 Tests.

A seasoned presence in the dressing room, Mahmood's elevation comes at a time of coaching flux in Pakistan cricket. With the departure of Jason Gillespie in late 2024, and interim stints by Aaqib Javed in both red- and white-ball roles, stability has been hard to come by. The PCB is banking on Mahmood's calm demeanor and strategic nous to bring some much-needed consistency to the Test side.

"Azhar Mahmood steps into the role with an impressive portfolio of experience," the PCB said in its announcement. "His tactical depth, international exposure, and domestic success in England - highlighted by two County Championship titles with Surrey - make him exceptionally well-suited for the position."

Mahmood's challenge won't be a light one. Pakistan finished at the bottom of the last World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, with just five wins in 14 matches. Rebuilding confidence and instilling discipline in a side short on momentum will be a central part of his mission.

As the PCB continues its search for a permanent head coach, Mahmood's tenure could end up being either a stabilizing bridge-or, if results go his way, the beginning of something longer.

For now, Pakistan's Test team has a familiar face at the helm. And that might be exactly what they need.