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December 13, 2024

First Gary Kirsten & Now Jason Gillespie: A New Episode in Pakistan’s Coaching Drama

First Gary Kirsten & Now Jason Gillespie: A New Episode in Pakistan’s Coaching Drama

On 12th December, Pakistan’s red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie handed in his unexpected resignation to the Pakistan Cricket Board. 

Former Australian pacer Gillespie was appointed as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach in April 2024 and his contract was set to expire in 2026. 

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According to sources, Jason Gillespie decided to quit after the PCB chose to let go Tim Nielsen, Pakistan’s high performance coach who was appointed on Gillespie’s recommendation. 

Not only this, as per multiple media outlets, Gillespie’s interest in the role had started decreasing after the Pakistan Cricket Board ignored his say in matters related to team selection and pitch preparation. 

Moreover, they sacked his authority regarding picking players for the Test squad. They removed any say he had in picking the final XI in the Test team.

It’s worth remembering that Gary Kirsten, Pakistan’s former white-ball head coach joined the PCT at the same time as Gillespie, but quit his role before the team left for their tours of Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. 

Kirsten’s resignation was also as unanticipated as Jason’s. Both coaches left the team high and dry. 

Both Gillespie and Kirsten were appointed on a two-year contract before the T20 World Cup 2024 and the PCB had promised a new era for the Pakistan team.

Things took a turn for the worse when former Pakistani cricketer Aqib Javed was brought in as the senior selector and was given more than necessary authority by the PCB. 

When Gary Kirsten resigned, Aqib Javed was appointed as the interim white-ball head coach of the Pakistan team and now after Gillespie’s resignation, he has also been handed over the role of interim red-ball head coach. 

Do you think he had something to do with the resignation of both these coaches or was their time with the team already done?