The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) squashed the rumours of relieving Test head coach Jason Gillespie from his duties on Sunday. The reports of the former cricketer Aaqib Javed replacing the red-ball cricket coach emerged online after Pakistan's T20I series loss against Australia. But the PCB confirmed that the former Australian cricketer will remain as the team's head coach for the South Africa tour.
"PCB strongly refutes the story (sacking of Jason Gillespie)," the PCB wrote in X post. "As announced previously, Jason Gillespie will continue to coach the Pakistan side for the two red-ball matches against South Africa."
The PCB's post came after ESPNCricinfo reported that Gillespie would be removed from his role after the third T20I against Australia on Monday. Gillespie is additionally serving as the team's interim white-ball coach after the controversial resignation of Gary Kirsten.
Aaqib Javed has been reportedly tipped to be appointed as the team's new white-ball coach in the coming days. Pakistan next travel to Zimbabwe for the six-match white-ball series starting on November 24 and then tour South Africa for the multi-format series. The Proteas host Pakistan in two Test matches starting on December 26 and Jason Gillespie has been confirmed to remain as the team's coach.
Meanwhile, Gillespie's stint with Pakistan has been an eventful one as they suffered an embarrassing 0-2 Test series defeat against Bangladesh but came from behind to famously beat England 2-1 at home. Pakistan also stunned the Australian team to clinch the ODI series this month but lost the T20I series yesterday.
However, Gillespie's current contract runs till 2026 but he holds very little power after being removed from the selection committee during the England home series.
"For me, when I came on board with Pakistan cricket, I was told there was a long-term plan, and we need to make sure our communication's spot on," Gillespie told SkyNews during the England series. "I made that a real focus and so you can get frustrated if those things aren't done how you would like. It wasn't what I signed up for, I'll be completely honest."
