Jason Gillespie rejects Pakistan's permanent white-ball coaching role, leaves PCB struggling
Published - 08 Nov 2024, 06:08 PM | Updated - 08 Nov 2024, 06:12 PM
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Pakistan’s interim white-ball coach Jason Gillespie has confirmed that he will not be taking on the position permanently after the Men in Green leveled the ongoing three-match ODI series 1-1 by winning the second encounter by nine wickets in Adelaide on November 8.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering appointing Jason Gillespie as the all-format head coach of the Pakistan cricket team if Pakistan’s performance in the ongoing white-ball series in Australia meets expectations.
PCB considers all-format coaching role for Jason Gillespie
Gillespie is already the head coach of the Pakistan Test team and presently serves as the interim white-ball coach as well following the unexpected exit of the South African legend Gary Kirsten.
It is being said that the PCB is closely monitoring the Pakistan team’s performance under Gillespie’s guidance on the Australia tour, and a satisfactory outcome could make him an all-format coach.
A PCB source was quoted as saying by PTI: “For the moment, the Board is working on a plan to appoint Jason Gillespie as all-format head coach instead of advertising for new candidates.”
Jason Gillespie Prioritizes family, shatters PCB’s all-format coaching ambitions
Amidst the speculations, the former Australian fast bowler has denied any desire to become Pakistan’s all-format head coach in Adelaide. Gillespie has emphasized his need to spend more time with his family, saying the extensive travel and dual coaching duties would make it impossible to take up the role.
His statement would certainly hurt the PCB. Reflecting on the demanding nature of coaching, Jason Gillespie said that the extended time away from home—up to 11 months—would take a significant toll on him both personally and mentally. The Aussie insisted that he loves coaching but can’t speed 11 months away from home.
Jason Gillespie was quoted as saying by cricketpakistan.pk: “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.”
Pakistan cricket has a packed schedule, with a tour to Zimbabwe lined up right after the Australia tour, so PCB should now look for another candidate to guide the white-ball teams after Gillespie’s denial to take up the all-format coaching duties.
Pakistani players visit Gillespie’s Cricket Academy in Adelaide
Meanwhile, ahead of the second ODI, Pakistani players visited Jason Gillespie’s famous cricket academy in Adelaide. Players like Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, and Arafat Minhas explored the academy’s impressive training facilities and examined the advanced equipment available.
The Pakistani players were especially impressed by the cutting-edge bowling machines and top-tier training amenities, which have a strong reputation for helping young cricketers enhance their abilities. Many of the team members also took advantage of the academy’s shop to pick up some cricket gear.
Notably, Pakistan and Australia will face each other in the third and final ODI at the Optus Stadium in Perth on November 10, followed by a three-match T20I series. Then, they will travel to Zimbabwe for white-ball series.
