Jason Gillespie has stepped down as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach just days before the team’s departure for South Africa, marking another major shift in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) ongoing restructuring.
Gillespie’s resignation follows the dismissal of assistant coach Tim Nielsen earlier the same day. Reports suggest that Gillespie, who was not consulted about Nielsen’s removal, was surprised by the PCB’s decision. His exit adds to the series of changes in Pakistan cricket management, which began with the resignation of white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten in October after just six months in the role.
In the wake of Gillespie’s departure, interim white-ball coach Aqib Javed will assume head coach duties for the upcoming two-match Test series. “Aqib’s first assignment as red-ball head coach will be the two-match Test series against South Africa during the ongoing all-format tour,” the PCB stated.
The Test series will begin on December 26 at SuperSport Park in Centurion, with the second Test scheduled at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town from January 3 to 7. The national Test squad is set to depart for South Africa on Friday.
Appointed in July 2024 for a two-year term, Gillespie began his tenure with a series against Bangladesh, where Pakistan suffered a historic home defeat. While his arrival, along with Gary Kirsten’s, was initially seen as a positive step for Pakistan cricket, tensions grew following underwhelming performances, including a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign.
The PCB’s decision to limit the involvement of coaches in the selection panel added to the strain. The board’s reduction of the selection committee from 11 to five members, and the inclusion of figures like Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, and Aqib Javed, further highlighted the management’s evolving approach.
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The PCB has not yet announced a permanent replacement for Gillespie, but recent trends suggest a preference for local coaching staff. Aqib Javed, a former international player and seasoned coach, now has an opportunity to lead the Test team through this transitional phase.