Former Australian cricket star Jason Gillespie is poised to assume the role of head coach for the Pakistan national cricket team, following his decision to step down from coaching positions with two South Australian domestic teams. Gillespie has officially ended his tenure as head coach of the West End Redbacks and Adelaide Strikers, both affiliated with the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA), despite originally planning to remain until the 2024-25 season.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is actively seeking a new head coach, having extended offers to former South African batsman Gary Kirsten and ex-New Zealand wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi, who are yet to respond to the inquiries. Reports suggest that PCB may have reached out to Gillespie regarding the vacant coaching position, given his sudden departure from coaching roles in South Australia.
In a statement to the press, Gillespie expressed his gratitude for his time with SACA and acknowledged the support he received during his tenure. He stated, “I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together at the SACA, and I will always cherish those memories.” Gillespie also thanked everyone for their support during his time with the Strikers and Redbacks, emphasizing the collaborative effort.
He expressed excitement about exploring new opportunities in the sport and embarking on the next chapter of his career. Previously, PCB encountered refusals from Shane Watson, Mike Hesson, and Darren Sammy for the head coach position. Kirsten and Ronchi have asked for time to consider the offer, with Ronchi currently serving as Pakistan’s batting coach. As Pakistan prepares to host New Zealand in a five-match T20I series next month, the team is undergoing training in Kabul City.
Recent defeats against New Zealand and Australia have underscored the need for strategic changes within the team. Under the leadership of new T20I captain Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan suffered a 4-1 loss to New Zealand in January 2024, followed by a humiliating 3-0 whitewash by Australia in December 2023. These setbacks highlight the urgency of securing a capable head coach to steer the team towards success.
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