According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Australian coach Jason Gillespie will continue to coach the national red-ball team, including during the forthcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. The PCB has categorically disputed claims that he will be relieved of his responsibilities.
Despite reports from a cricket-based website that he left and was replaced by former Pakistani cricketer Aqib Javed, a PCB spokesperson affirmed that Gillespie, who is also acting as the white-ball team’s interim head coach, is still the official selection for the Test team, according to a local news outlet.
The candidate for the white-ball head coach post was Aqib Javed, who is now on the PCB selection committee. According to sources, Javed, who has a wealth of local and franchise cricket coaching expertise, may be hired before Pakistan’s three-match ODI and T20 series against Zimbabwe starts on November 24.
The rumored coaching change comes after Gillespie temporarily took over as white-ball coach following Gary Kirsten’s abrupt retirement only days before Pakistan’s visit of Australia.
Later, Gillespie clarified that his present coaching duties are temporary, quelling rumors that he will take on a full-time position. “I have just temporarily assumed coaching for the white-ball format. “At this time, I am not interested in coaching in the white-ball format on a permanent basis,” Gillespie told Australian media.
“I didn’t apply for the full-time white-ball coaching position,” Gillespie continued, highlighting his restricted availability. “Even though I enjoy coaching, I don’t think I could live away from home for 11 months. Additionally, I doubt that I could manage it psychologically.”
Given the team’s busy schedule, PCB authorities stated that a decision about the white-ball head coach position is anticipated shortly.
