Aqib Javed to replace Jason Gillespie as Pakistan’s all-format head coach

Aqib Javed to replace Jason Gillespie as Pakistan’s all-format head coach. (Source:X/Twitter)

Pakistan Cricket Board is set to part ways with head coach Jason Gillespie. The former Australia cricketer was hired as a Test coach in April 2024 and later, he was handed the baton in the white-ball as well, after Gary Kirsten resigned. Meanwhile, under Gillespie, Pakistan suffered a humiliating Test series defeat to Bangladesh but made a remarkable comeback against England, winning the series 2-1.

The white-ball tour to Australia was his first assignment in the limited-overs. Pakistan won the ODI series 2-1 but in the T20Is, the hosts had the upper hand, with the third game yet to be played. Nevertheless, the Men in Green showed significant improvement but due to contractual issues, Gillespie is set to leave. Aqib Javed, who was recently appointed convenor of the men’s cricket selection committee, is touted to take over the responsibility of the team.

As per ESPNcricinfo, the board can announce the decision on Monday, after Pakistan’s third T20I against Australia. It is believed that the board was reluctant to increase Gillespie’s salary despite being named as white-ball coach, and that played a part in his removal. Notably, the former cricketer was asked to sign the contract with additional responsibility with no change in pay, which Gillespie didn’t agree with and turned down the offer.

However, it is reported that PCB officials are unhappy with Gillespie spending limited time in Pakistan. However, the 49-year-old communicated that he has spent every day his contract demanded he be in Pakistan and on top of that, Gillespie was part of Shaheens’ tour of Darwin without pay, as an act of goodwill.

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Gillespie was originally expected to continue at least till the upcoming Champions Trophy, as PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi previously was extremely happy with his appointment and considered him and Kirsten to be ‘best possible coaches’. However, neither of them lasted over a year.

Aaqib meanwhile has experience of winning back-to-back championships in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) but there have been instances of his team finishing at the bottom of the table, and that includes Lahore Qalandars’ performance this year.