Former Australian Jason Gillespie has resigned as Pakistan’s national red-ball coach days before the away Test series against South Africa. According to recent reports, Gillespie’s displeasure started after he was dropped from the national cricket team’s selection committee.
Gillespie resigned after seven months. It was earlier reported that his decision was influenced by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) refusal to renew assistant coach Tim Nielsen’s contract. Gillespie refused to go with the squad to South Africa for the two-match Test series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has appointed Aaqib Javed as the interim head coach of the Red Ball
The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that Jason Gillespie has resigned as head coach. Former Pakistani player Aaqib Javed has been appointed as the interim head coach of “red ball”. Aaqib, who replaces Gary Kirsten as interim white-ball coach, will oversee the upcoming two-match Test series in South Africa.
“The PCB has appointed former Pakistan paceman Aaqib Javed as the interim red-ball coach following Gillespie’s resignation,” PCB said in a statement.
Pakistan white ball team is in South Africa for T20 and ODI series. After the white-ball series, the first Test match is scheduled to begin on December 26 in Centurion. The second Test will be played in Cape Town from January 3-7.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi rejected Jason Gillespie’s request
According to a report by Cricket Pakistan, Jason Gillespie’s displeasure started when he was dropped from the selection committee. He also expressed his desire to take over as head coach for both the formats and asked for a salary hike which was rejected by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The PCB also asked Gillespie to spend more time in Pakistan, a condition he was unwilling to accept. White-ball coach Gary Kirsten is said to have similar concerns and has refused to stay in Pakistan outside of series commitments.
“Gillespie’s displeasure started when he was dropped from the selection committee. He also expressed his desire to take over as head coach for both formats and asked for a pay hike. However, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi rejected his request for a pay hike,” Cricket About Pakistan released information.
“Sources further revealed that the PCB had asked Gillespie to spend more time in Pakistan, which he was unwilling to accept.”
That’s not what I signed up for – Jason Gillespie
Jason Gillespie was dropped from the selection panel after a 2-0 win over Bangladesh in September and a heavy defeat to England in the first Test a month later. However, Pakistan bounced back and won the next two Tests to secure a 2-1 series win on spin-friendly pitches.
Gillespie expressed his frustration with the situation, admitting it was not what he signed up for during an interview with Sky Sports.
“I think there are always disappointments. It didn’t register for me, I’ll be completely honest,” Gillespie said in an interview with Sky Sports during the second England Test.
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