The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the appointment of Jason Gillespie, the Test team coach, as the new white-ball coach for the upcoming series against Australia and Zimbabwe. Gillespie will serve in this role on a temporary basis, with a full-time head coach for white-ball cricket expected to be announced soon. This development follows Gary Kirsten’s resignation, which stemmed from escalating conflicts and disagreements between him and the PCB regarding team selection and squad announcements.
The PCB confirmed Kirsten’s departure, stating that his resignation was accepted, and subsequently appointed Gillespie to lead the team for the upcoming assignments against Australia and Zimbabwe. “Jason Gillespie will coach the Pakistan men’s cricket team on next month’s white-ball tour of Australia after Gary Kirsten submitted his resignation, which was accepted,” the PCB announced on X (formerly Twitter).
Kirsten’s resignation comes just six months after he was appointed head coach of the Pakistan cricket team. Reports indicate that he had significant disagreements with the PCB over team selection and the announcement of the squad for the series against Australia and Zimbabwe. The situation deteriorated when the PCB reportedly ignored Kirsten’s suggestions regarding the squad, prompting his decision to part ways with the role.
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Sources revealed that the PCB took a similar approach with its new selection committee, which did not include Test coach Jason Gillespie and captain Shan Masood in the team selection process. While Gillespie was unhappy with this attitude, he chose to continue his responsibilities. In contrast, Gary Kirsten opted to resign.
Kirsten was appointed as Pakistan’s white-ball coach in April 2024 under a two-year contract. However, following the team’s poor performance in the T20 World Cup, concerns about his suitability for the role were raised, leading the PCB and its selection committee to make independent decisions.