PCB appoints Jason Gillespie as head coach for white-ball series against Australia

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Jason Gillespie as the head coach for the Green Shirts’ white-ball team for the upcoming tour of Australia, following the resignation of Gary Kirsten on Monday.

The PCB has also accepted the resignation of former head coach Gary Kirsten.

Gillespie, who is currently Pakistan’s red-ball coach, will take on additional responsibilities for coaching the ODI and T20I matches against the Kangaroos.

According to sources, Saqlain Mushtaq is also a strong candidate for the white-ball coaching position. 

If Gillespie declines the role, the PCB may consider Saqlain Mushtaq, who is currently a mentor for the team, as a potential head coach.

The Green Shirts will play three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals against Australia, starting from November 4 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Former head-coach, Gary Kirsten resigned on Monday, just six months after his appointment, reportedly due to serious differences with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

As per sources, Kirsten had expressed concerns over team selection and support staff appointments.

The South African coach, who was hired on a two-year contract, also warned that he would not accompany the team on their upcoming Australia tour if his conditions were not met.

He was also absent during and after the Champions Cup, despite his contract mandating his presence with the team for 11 months.

According to sources, Kirsten was frustrated by interference from Aqib Javed and the selection committee, and he was displeased with the recent team selection for the Australia tour.

He also demanded the inclusion of foreign staff of his choice.

Due to these ongoing disagreements, Kirsten had not officially informed the PCB about his participation in the Australia tour.

He is scheduled to arrive in Australia today (Monday) from South Africa to join the Pakistan team.

The PCB recently withdrew selection powers from both coaches and the captain after the first Test against England.

Jason Gillespie, head coach of the Test team, had also voiced concerns over the dropping of Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah during the England series.