New Delhi: Pakistan’s red-ball coach Jason Gillespie has refused to accompany the team in their two-match Test series in South Africa. It is the latest blow to the Pakistan Cricket Board which is still grappling from the thaw of uncertainty over the future of their Champions Trophy hosting duties.
Gillespie has toured with the ODI team to Australia after white-ball coach Gary Kirsten’s resignation, helping the team win their first 50-ball series win Down Under in 22 years.
But the former Australia pacer is reportedly unhappy with PCB’s recent decisions and didn’t fly out to South Africa with the Test squad on Thursday as scheduled, according to Cricbuzz.
The former right arm pacer is reported to have tendered his resignation even though the PCB is yet to speak on the matter.
Problems on and off the field
The PCB brought in Gillespie on a two year contract. They slumped to their first ever Test series defeat to Bangladesh on home soil. They then bounced back with a come-from-behind series win against England, also on home turf.
But apart from snatching his selection powers, the PCB also took certain decisions without consulting or informing you that infuriated the Australian.
Not renewing the contract of assistant coach Tim Nielsen, who hired in August, is believed to be one of PCB’s decisions that led to a breakdown in relationship.
Kirsten too had left in October after coming onboard in April for being unhappy with the PCB over several decisions, one being taking away of team selection powers.
Aaqib Javed, who is also a senior national selector is expected to take over as coach of the red-ball team on an interim basis.
The former Pakistan pacer had already been in a similar interim role with the white ball team, and will be on the hot seat till the Champions Trophy, which will be held in February-March.
Javed is currently in South Africa where Pakistan will play three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests. The first Test begins in Centurion from December 26, followed by the second game in Cape Town on January 3.
Jason Gillespie is reportedly unhappy with PCB’s recent decisions and didn’t fly out to South Africa with the Test squad on Thursday as schedule Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
