The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has ended Azhar Mahmood's tenure as the men's Test head coach, releasing him three months before his contract expires in March 2026. This decision is attributed to the gap in Pakistan's Test schedule until March 2026, allowing the PCB to plan ahead for a long-term replacement and potential support staff changes. Mahmood's contract was due to end around the time of the next Test assignment, prompting an early reset. The PCB has initiated the search for a new coach to prepare for the upcoming World Test Championship cycle.