Jason Gillespie to take charge as Pakistan head coach after terminating contracts with South Australia

Former Australia bowling legend Jason Gillespie might be the new head coach of the Pakistan national cricket team. The former Aussie pacer has resigned from his post as head coach of two South Australia domestic teams.

Jason Gillespie has terminated his contracts as head coach of West End Redbacks and Adelaide Strikers with the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA). He was expected to hold the post till the 2024-25 season.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is on a hunt for a new head coach for the national team. Recently, PCB offered the roles to former South Africa batter Gary Kirsten and former New Zealand wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi. However, both of these players have yet to respond to the call.

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Jason Gillespie to be new coach of Pakistan: Reports

PCB wants to fill the post of Pakistan head coach by next week. Due to Jason Gillespie’s sudden decision to quit coaching roles with the South Australia Cricket Association, there are rumors that PCB might have contacted him for the head coach role.

Speaking to the press, Gillespie said he will cherish his memories with SACA. He also thanked everyone for their support during his tenure.

“I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together at the SACA, and I will always cherish those memories. I have no doubt that South Australian cricket has a bright future,” Jason Gillespie said.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support during my time with the Strikers and Redbacks, it has been a true team effort. To be able to play and coach in my home State has been a wonderful experience, something I feel honored to have achieved. Looking forward, I am excited to explore new opportunities in the sport and pursue the next chapter in my career,” he further added.

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Shane Watson, Mike Hesson, and Darren Sammy rejected offers of Pakistan’s head coach

Meanwhile, PCB earlier faced rejections from Shane Watson, Mike Hesson, and Darren Sammy for the role of Pakistan head coach. Gary Kirsten and Luke Ronchi have requested some time to respond to the offer. Luke Ronchi is the current batting coach of the Pakistan team.

Pakistan is set to face New Zealand in a five-match T20I series next month. The series will take place on their home soil. The PAK vs NZ T20I games will take place from April 18 to 27. Pakistan players are gearing up for the series with a training camp in Kabul City.

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Pakistan faced horrible defeats in their last two away campaigns. They lost 4-1 to New Zealand under new T20I skipper Shaheen Afridi in January 2024. Earlier in December 2023, Pakistan faced a humiliating 3-0 whitewash against Australia in a Test series.