Gillespie quits as Pakistan red-ball coach 2 weeks before Test series in South Africa
- Last updated: December 13, 2024 | 18:30
Pakistan red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie has resigned just two weeks before a two-Test series begins in South Africa, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.
The former Australia bowler was appointed head coach on a two-year deal in April, with former South Africa opener Gary Kirsten named white-ball coach.
Kirsten resigned in October for similar reasons. The PCB confirmed Gillespie's resignation. "The PCB has named former Pakistan paceman Aaqib Javed as interim red-ball head coach following the resignation of Gillespie," a PCB statement said.
The Australian is the second foreigner to leave Pakistan's programme in less than two months. South African Gary Kirsten had stepped down as white-ball head coach in late October.
Gillespie was reportedly not happy after the PCB decided against renewing the contract of high-performance red-ball coach Tim Nielsen.
Gillespie had been appointed in April on a two-year contract. However, the PCB removed the Australian from the selection panel in October.
Pakistan's white-ball squad is currently in South Africa for a three-match T20 series and three one-day internationals.
Gillespie was removed from the selection panel following Pakistan's 2-0 whitewash at the hands on Bangladesh in September and losing the first Test by an innings against England a month later.
Pakistan won the next two Tests against England, taking the series 2-1, on sharply spinning pitches. Gillespie did not hide his sentiments, saying he was frustrated.
"I think there's always frustrations from time to time," Gillespie said, in an interview with Sky Sports during the second England Test. "It wasn't what I signed up for, I'll be completely honest."
After the England series, Gillespie served as white-ball coach on Pakistan's tour of Australia but was not given the job for the series in Zimbabwe.
Gillespie was reportedly not happy after the contract of his assistant Tim Nielsen was not renewed by the PCB.
Agencies