The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering appointing Jason Gillespie as the national team’s all-format head coach if the current white-ball tour of Australia produces “satisfactory” results, according to insider sources. Gillespie, who presently heads Pakistan’s Test squad, temporarily stepped in as coach for the white-ball series as well after Gary Kirsten’s unexpected exit. The PCB is leaning towards making Gillespie a permanent all-format head coach instead of searching for new candidates, with a PCB source revealing to PTI that “the Board is working on a plan to appoint Jason Gillespie across all formats.”
Pakistan’s ODI series against Australia began with a narrow two-wicket loss in Melbourne on November 4. Two ODIs remain in the series, set for November 8 in Adelaide and November 10 in Perth. The series then shifts to three T20I matches on November 14, 16, and 18. This tour provides an opportunity for PCB to evaluate Gillespie’s potential as an all-format coach, with plans to finalize the decision before the squad heads to Zimbabwe for their next series.
While the PCB is hopeful that Gillespie will accept the full-time position through at least April, they have prepared a shortlist of backup candidates, including former spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, should the arrangement with Gillespie not come to fruition.
As the tour progresses, the PCB remains optimistic that Gillespie’s guidance could yield positive results, helping cement his position as head coach. With a packed schedule ahead, PCB aims for stability within the coaching setup, hoping Gillespie’s expertise will benefit Pakistan across all formats in the upcoming months.
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