Pakistan Cricket Board Retains Jason Gillespie as Test Coach for South Africa Series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Jason Gillespie will continue to serve as the Test match coach for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa. However, the board has not yet extended his contract beyond this tour.

Local Reports Suggested Gillespie’s Tenure Was Nearing Its End

In recent days, several local reports had suggested that Gillespie’s tenure with the Pakistan cricket team was nearing its end, with Aaqib Javed being tipped as the potential replacement. Earlier today, ESPNcricinfo also reported that Aaqib was the frontrunner to take over as the all-format coach.

“As announced previously, Jason Gillespie will continue to coach the Pakistan side for the two red-ball matches against South Africa.”

– PCB statement

White-Ball Coaching Role Remains Unfilled

The white-ball coaching role, which was vacated after Gary Kirsten’s resignation last month, remains unfilled. Aaqib is considered the leading candidate to replace Kirsten, with Pakistan’s T20I and ODI tour of Zimbabwe starting next Sunday.

Gillespie’s Future Beyond South Africa Series Uncertain

Regarding Gillespie’s future beyond the South Africa series, the PCB has not provided any confirmation. Pakistan have a two-Test home series against West Indies immediately following the away matches in South Africa.

Relationship Between Gillespie and PCB Has Been Anything But Smooth

The relationship between Gillespie and the PCB has been anything but smooth, with the coach’s powers being significantly reduced just three Tests into his tenure. He was removed from the selection committee and no longer had a say in the selection of players.

“It was not what he signed up for” when he joined the Pakistan cricket team. He admitted to being “just a matchday strategist” during the home series against England.

– Jason Gillespie

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