Jason Gillespie to remain red-ball head coach: PCB

Gillespie still the red-ball coach, PCB calls report of his replacement by Aqib Javed “false.”

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly denied reports suggesting that Australian coach Jason Gillespie would be removed from his role as the national red-ball coach, confirming instead that he will retain his coaching duties, including the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa.

A PCB spokesperson confirmed that Gillespie, who is also serving as interim head coach for the white-ball squad, remains the official choice for the Test team, dismissing reports by a cricket-based website that claimed his departure and replacement by former Pakistani cricketer Aqib Javed, a local news outlet reported.

Aqib Javed, who is currently a PCB selection committee member, was being considered for the white-ball head coach position. Sources indicated that Javed, with extensive coaching experience in domestic and franchise cricket, could be appointed ahead of Pakistan’s three-match ODI and T20 series against Zimbabwe, beginning on 24 November.

The rumoured coaching shuffle follows Gary Kirsten's sudden resignation days before Pakistan’s Australia tour, after which Gillespie stepped into the white-ball coaching role on a temporary basis.

Gillespie later quelled speculation of taking on a full-time role, stating that his current coaching responsibilities are interim. "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," Gillespie told Australian media.

Emphasising his limited availability, Gillespie added, "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."

PCB officials noted that a decision on the white-ball head coach role, especially given the team’s tight schedule, is expected soon.

Previously, reports about former cricketer Aqib Javed being considered for the role of Pakistan's white-ball head coach surfaced.

It was reported that PCB was preparing to hand over the responsibilities for the white-ball format to Javed ahead of the upcoming Zimbabwe series.

The PCB had been dealing with strained relations and a challenging experience with former head coach, Gary Kirsten. After difficult circumstances and a series of setbacks, the PCB decided to end its association with foreign coaching staff.

Earlier this year, Gary Kirsten resigned from his position as head coach before the team’s tour of Australia.

Jason Gillespie, the head coach for the red-ball format, was appointed as the interim coach for the Australia series.

Aqib Javed’s appointment could be announced soon, with the Pakistan team set to play Zimbabwe in a series 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.