The mess around the Pakistan coaching setup seems to see no end. After reports came to light that Jason Gillespie might not continue as the Pakistan red-ball head coach, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) clarified that the 49-year-old will continue till the Test series in South Africa.
It was in April this year that Gillespie was assigned the role of Pakistan’s head coach in Test cricket. The former Australia fast bowler has been in charge of only a couple of series. Under him, Pakistan lost to Bangladesh 0-2 at home before turning things around in dramatic fashion to script a 2-1 win over England, recording their first Test series win at home in over three and a half years.
He even took over as the interim head coach of the white-ball side after Gary Kirsten stepped down from his duties. Under Gillespie, Pakistan recorded a historic ODI series win (2-1) in Australia.
There were rumours that the PCB wanted Gillespie to take over as the head coach across all three formats until the Champions Trophy 2025. However, that would be without a change in his existing contract. It is learnt that he was not too keen to take on the responsibilities without any increase in pay. Hence, PCB was set to sack him much before his contract ended.
Earlier on Sunday (November 18), ESPNCricinfo reported that Gillespie is all set to be replaced by Aaqib Javed as the Pakistan head coach across all formats. However, PCB came out on ‘X’ and cleared the air. Their post said, “PCB strongly refutes the story. As announced previously, Jason Gillespie will continue to coach the Pakistan side for the two red-ball matches against South Africa.”
Jason Gillespie and Pakistan Cricket Board not on the same page
Even though PCB have confirmed Gillespie’s job remains till the end of the South Africa series, the relationship between the board and the red-ball coach is not the greatest. Gillespie has come out in the open and expressed his displeasure about the role.
In fact, he revealed that he has been reduced to “just a matchday strategist” after the new selection committee was put in place. Gillespie has no say in team selection or any other decisions. Moreover, he even admitted that it was something he had not signed up for in an interview with Sky Sports Cricket.
Pakistan are currently in Australia and their next assignment is in Zimbabwe where they will play three ODIs and as many T20Is. Following that, they are set to tour South Africa for three T20Is, three ODIs and two Test matches.
Aaqib Javed is in line to take over as the white-ball coach. He is currently the convenor of the selection committee. The Zimbabwe series is scheduled to start on the 24th of November before the South Africa tour kicks off on the 10th of December.
