Gillespie's calls unanswered, PAK senior players interfered in coach appointments as fresh controversy brews: Report
Hindustan TimesThe churn within Pakistan’s backroom management continues in 2024, as yet another coaching change is in the works for the team. Former Australian seamer Jason Gillespie confirmed his departure from the Test team, with sources close to the PCB stating it had to do with his non-involvement in the selection of the squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa. Gillespie follows in the footsteps of South African Gary Kirsten, who left the white ball coaching role after only five months in charge when he tendered his resignation in October, citing a similar failure to see eye-to-eye with the PCB regarding squad and support staff management. Referring to Nielsen’s contract with the PCB not being extended, the source added: “The board preferred to bring in Shahid Aslam from the national cricket academy as a coach into the support staff on the recommendation of interim white ball head coach and senior selector Aaqib Javed." Javed has become a leading figure in the PCB, and stepped in as coach after Gillespie had served as interim on Pakistan’s tour of Australia in November, and will now serve as interim red ball coach himself in South Africa.