PCB confirms Jason Gillespie will coach South Africa Tests

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that Jason Gillespie will remain the head coach of the Pakistan Test team for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa. However, the board has not clarified whether Gillespie will continue in this role for future series, despite his contract running until 2026.  

Recent reports had suggested that Gillespie’s position was uncertain, with former Pakistan cricketer Aaqib Javed being considered as a possible replacement. There were also discussions about Aaqib taking on the white-ball coaching role, which has been vacant since Gary Kirsten resigned last month.  

In a statement, the PCB denied rumors about Gillespie’s immediate departure. "As announced previously, Jason Gillespie will continue to coach the Pakistan side for the two red-ball matches against South Africa."

The PCB has not confirmed if Gillespie will coach beyond the South Africa series. Pakistan is set to host the West Indies for a two-Test home series immediately after the South Africa matches, but there is no official word on Gillespie’s involvement in that series.  

Earlier this week, the PCB approached Gillespie about taking on the white-ball coaching role as well. However, the additional responsibility did not come with a pay increase, which led Gillespie to decline the offer.  

The PCB has reportedly offered Aaqib Javed the role of white-ball coach, with his tenure potentially lasting until the Champions Trophy. Local options such as Azhar Mahmood and Saqlain Mushtaq were also considered but did not receive enough support.

Gillespie’s relationship with the PCB has been strained recently. His powers as head coach were reduced after Aaqib was brought into the revamped selection committee. Gillespie was removed from the selection panel and no longer has a say in squad selection, which he admitted was not part of the agreement when he signed on.  

Speaking earlier, Gillespie shared his frustrations, saying, “When I came on board, I was told there was a long-term plan. It wasn’t what I signed up for, I’ll be completely honest.”  

Gillespie’s immediate focus will be on the third T20I against Australia, followed by the South Africa Test series, which starts on December 26.