The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially refuted claims that Australian coach Jason Gillespie would be removed from his position as the national red-ball coach. The PCB has confirmed that Gillespie will continue in his coaching role, including for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa.
A spokesperson for the PCB stated that Gillespie, who also serves as the interim head coach for the white-ball team, remains the designated coach for the Test squad. This announcement comes in response to reports from a cricket website suggesting that Gillespie would be replaced by former Pakistani cricketer Aqib Javed, as reported by local news outlets.
Aqib Javed Considered for White-Ball Coach Role
Aqib Javed, currently a member of the PCB selection committee, is being considered for the head coach position of the white-ball team. Sources suggest that Javed, who has extensive coaching experience in domestic and franchise cricket, could be appointed ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming three-match ODI and T20 series against Zimbabwe, starting on November 24.
This speculation about coaching changes follows Gary Kirsten’s abrupt resignation shortly before Pakistan’s tour of Australia, after which Gillespie took on the white-ball coaching role on an interim basis.
Gillespie Clarifies His Interim Role
Gillespie has addressed rumors regarding a full-time coaching position, emphasizing that his current responsibilities are temporary. “I’ve only taken over white-ball format coaching on an interim basis. I am not keen on coaching permanently in the white-ball format at the moment,” he stated to Australian media.
He further clarified his limited availability, saying, “I did not apply for the full-time white-ball coaching. I love coaching, but I don’t believe I can spend 11 months away from home. I also don’t think I could mentally handle it.”
Upcoming Decisions on Coaching Roles
PCB officials have indicated that a decision regarding the white-ball head coach role is expected soon, particularly considering the team’s tight schedule.
Earlier reports had suggested that Aqib Javed was a candidate for the white-ball head coach position, and the PCB was preparing to assign him this responsibility ahead of the Zimbabwe series.
The PCB has faced challenges in its relationship with former head coach Gary Kirsten, leading to the decision to part ways with foreign coaching staff after a series of difficulties. Kirsten resigned earlier this year before the Australian tour, leading to Gillespie’s interim appointment as head coach for that series.
Future Matches and Coaching Appointments
Aqib Javed’s potential appointment could be announced shortly, with the Pakistan team set to face Zimbabwe from November 24 to December 5. This will be followed by a series against South Africa from December 10 to January 7, which includes three T20s, three ODIs, and two Test matches.
