Controversy erupts! Jason Gillespie’s future uncertain as PCB issues statement amid sacking rumors

Amidst a whirlwind of speculation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Jason Gillespie will remain at the helm for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. This confirmation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) dispelled some rumors swirling around the Test head coach of the Pakistan Cricket Team, Jason Gillespie’s tenure.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has remained tight-lipped about Gillespie’s future beyond the upcoming Test series against South Africa, leaving the cricketing world eager for clarity on the coaching front with the speculations about the former Australian pacer’s exit roaring high.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) tight-lipped on Jason Gillespie’s long-term role

Even ESPNcricinfo also reported that Gillespie, who had signed a contract with the PCB running until 2026, will be soon replaced by the former Pakistan cricketer Aaqib Javed.

Adding fuel to the fire, it is also reported that Aaqib might also take over as Pakistan’s all-format head coach, especially after Gillespie denied the short-term white-ball coaching job. The drama intensifies as the PCB continues its hunt for a white-ball coach following Gary Kirsten's sudden resignation from his post last month.

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With Pakistan gearing up for the three-match T20I and three-match ODI series in Zimbabwe next week, Aaqib Javed has emerged as a frontrunner to fill the void as the white-ball coach, which further fueled speculation about his imminent appointment as the all-format coach.

PCB confirms Jason Gillespie for South Africa Tests amid exit rumors

Despite the media claims, the PCB remains silent on the matter. The Pakistan board reiterated Jason Gillespie’s responsibility for the Test in South Africa but didn’t make any commitments regarding the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies at home or other future assignments.

The PCB said in a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter): “As announced previously, Jason Gillespie will continue to coach the Pakistan side for the two red-ball matches against South Africa.”

PCB strongly refutes the story. As announced previously, Jason Gillespie will continue to coach the Pakistan side for the two red-ball matches against South Africa. https://t.co/J5MYKuq368

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 17, 2024

Meanwhile, Gillespie’s immediate job is at the hands of the third-match T20I series in Australia, where he continues as Pakistan's interim coach. With his role for the upcoming Test series against South Africa confirmed to begin on December 26, his long-term future with the Pakistan team remains under the dark clouds.

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Jason Gillespie calls his job "just a matchday strategist"

Actually, the PCB revamped its selection committee just three Tests into Gillespie’s tenure, bringing in Aaqib Javed. This decision significantly curtailed Gillespie’s influence, stripping him of his selection powers and excluding him from decisions about squad selection, which hurt the Test head coach.

After this, Gillespie called his job "just a matchday strategist" and said that it "was not what he signed up for" with the PCB. Still, the PCB approached Gillespie about taking on the role of white-ball coach until the Champions Trophy 2025 in February-March.

However, the offer was made without any increase in the red-ball coach’s salary, and that’s why Gillespie declined the opportunity. Following his decision, the PCB shifted its focus to finding a local candidate for the white-ball teams of the national side.