Australian legend Jason Gillespie has made himself a potential candidate for Pakistan's head coach role. This news comes after Jason Gillespie's resignation as head coach of two South Australian domestic teams. Gillespie recently stepped down from his roles with the West End Redbacks and Adelaide Strikers, both under the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA).
PCB might rope in Jason Gillespie as Pakistan's head coach
His contract was originally expected to run until the end of the 2024-25 season. This development coincides with the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) ongoing hunt for a new head coach for their national team. The PCB previously approached former South African batsman Gary Kirsten and former New Zealand wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi for the position, but neither have yet confirmed their interest. With Gillespie now a free agent and possessing a wealth of coaching experience, the PCB may find him to be a strong contender for the coveted role.
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PCB is pushing to finalise their new head coach by next week. Rumors have swirled that the PCB, in their search for a new leader, may have reached out to Gillespie. While details haven't been confirmed, Gillespie himself did express his fondness for his time with SACA and his gratitude for the support he received during his tenure. This statement leaves room for speculation about his future plans, potentially including the possibility of taking on the Pakistan head coach role.
“I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together at the SACA, and I will always cherish those memories. I have no doubt that South Australian cricket has a bright future,” Jason Gillespie said, as quotes by Cricketaddictor.
“I would like to thank everyone for their support during my time with the Strikers and Redbacks, it has been a true team effort. To be able to play and coach in my home State has been a wonderful experience, something I feel honored to have achieved. Looking forward, I am excited to explore new opportunities in the sport and pursue the next chapter in my career,” Gillespie added.
PCB search for a new head coach has hit some roadblocks. They've already been rejected by the likes of Shane Watson, Mike Hesson, and Darren Sammy. While former South African batsman Gary Kirsten and current Pakistan batting coach Luke Ronchi have received offers, their responses are still pending. Time is of the essence for the PCB, as they aim to fill the position by next week. This urgency aligns with the recent news of Jason Gillespie leaving his coaching roles in South Australia. Rumors suggest the PCB might have approached him for the head coach job, but official confirmation is awaited. Pakistan's national team is currently preparing for a crucial T20I series against New Zealand on home soil, starting April 18th and running through the 27th. This series comes after a string of disappointing away tours, including a 4-1 T20I series loss to New Zealand in January and a humiliating 3-0 Test series defeat against Australia in December. The team will be looking to bounce back under the leadership of their new T20I captain, Shaheen Afridi.
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