The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Thursday that Aqib Javed, a current member of the men’s selection committee, has been appointed as the interim red-ball head coach of the Pakistan cricket team. This appointment follows the unexpected resignation of Jason Gillespie from the role.
Aqib Javed Takes Over as Interim Coach
In an official statement, the PCB revealed that Aqib Javed will manage the team for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, which is part of the ongoing all-format tour. The first Test will be played at SuperSport Park in Centurion from December 26 to 30, while the second Test will occur at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town from January 3 to 7.
However, the statement did not provide specific reasons for Jason Gillespie’s resignation, leaving many questions about the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Jason Gillespie Resigns from Head Coach Role
Jason Gillespie resigns as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach after a brief tenure, having been appointed in October. His resignation marks a significant change for the Pakistan men’s cricket team, which has seen multiple coaching changes in recent months. Gillespie took over from Gary Kirsten, who had stepped down as the head coach for the white-ball formats earlier in the year.
Gillespie’s Resignation Follows a Series of Changes
Jason Gillespie’s resignation follows a string of shifts in coaching roles within the PCB. Initially, Gary Kirsten was appointed as the head coach for the white-ball formats in April. Gillespie assumed the role of red-ball head coach shortly after when Kirsten resigned in October. However, the resignation of Kirsten and now Gillespie’s resignation raises concerns about the stability of the Pakistan cricket team’s leadership.
Aqib Javed’s Previous Interim Role
This latest development comes after Aqib Javed also took up the interim role of the white-ball head coach in November, following Gillespie’s exit from that position. The PCB’s decision to appoint Aqib Javed as interim head coach for both formats shows their confidence in his leadership abilities during this period of transition.
Team’s Current Series in South Africa
Currently, the men’s cricket team is in South Africa, where they are playing a three-match T20I series, followed by a three-match ODI series. The appointment of Aqib Javed as the interim red-ball head coach comes at a crucial time, as the team prepares for the Test series against South Africa.
While the reasons for Jason Gillespie’s resignation remain unclear, Aqib Javed’s appointment signals a shift in leadership as the Pakistan cricket team moves forward with its international commitments.
