LAHORE: Former Pakistan pacer Aqib Javed has been named as the interim red-ball head coach of the national men’s team after the resignation of Jason Gillespie, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday.
Aqib's appointment came after Gillespie stepped down from the role due to his differences with the cricket board.
Earlier today, it was reported that the former Australian cricketer refused to travel to South Africa, where he was supposed to supervise an exclusive training camp for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa.
Sources close to the development shared that Gillespie, who was due to reach South Africa yesterday, decided otherwise after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided not to renew the contract of red-ball assistant coach Tim Nielsen.
However, the former Australian pacer cited personal reasons to the board over his refusal to travel to South Africa.
Gillespie’s unease with the PCB stems from recent administrative changes. In October, he was removed from the Test side's selection panel, with his role reduced to a "match-day strategist."
Since the conclusion of Pakistan’s white-ball series in Australia, where he briefly served as interim coach following Gary Kirsten’s resignation, communication between the board and the former Australian cricketer has reportedly been minimal.
Adding to Gillespie's frustration is his belief in Nielsen's strong rapport with the players, who was denied contract extension, aligned with PCB’s broader trend of prioritizing locally-based coaching staff.
Meanwhile, Aqib Javed’s first assignment as red-ball head-coach will be Pakistan's two-match Test series against South Africa.
The first Test is scheduled at the SuperSport Park in Centurion from 26 to 30 December. The second Test will be played at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town from 3 to 7 January.
The Pakistan men’s side are currently in South Africa featuring in a three-match T20I series, followed by a three-match ODI series.
