PCB considers appointing Jason Gillespie as Pakistan’s all-format head coach: report

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering appointing Jason Gillespie as the all-format head coach for the national team, should the team's performance on the ongoing white-ball tour of Australia meet expectations.

According to the media reports, the board is leaning towards offering Gillespie the role rather than seeking new candidates for the position.

Gillespie, currently serving as the head coach of Pakistan's Test team, was asked to step in as the interim white-ball coach following the sudden resignation of Gary Kirsten. A source within the PCB told PTI that the board is closely monitoring the team's progress during this tour before making a decision regarding Gillespie's future with the national side.

“For the moment, the Board is working on a plan to appoint Jason Gillespie as all-format head coach instead of advertising for new candidates," a PCB source told PTI on Thursday.

Pakistan’s ODI series against Australia began on November 4 with a narrow two-wicket loss in Melbourne. The team will play two more ODIs, scheduled for Friday in Adelaide and Sunday in Perth, before facing Australia in three T20Is on November 14, 16, and 18. After this series, Pakistan is set to travel directly to Zimbabwe for another white-ball series. A decision on Gillespie's future is expected before that series begins.

The PCB is hopeful that if Gillespie’s tenure as head coach goes well, he will be willing to commit to the role at least until April 2025.

“If Pakistan performs satisfactorily in the remaining games, it’s likely that Gillespie will be asked to stay on as head coach across all formats,” the source stated.

Gillespie’s appointment came after the abrupt resignation of Gary Kirsten, who cited irreconcilable differences with the PCB. Kirsten had been with the team since earlier this year and was expected to oversee Pakistan's preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. However, his departure has forced the PCB to reassess its coaching options ahead of an important phase in the team's calendar.

As the head coach for the ongoing white-ball series against Australia, Gillespie faces a critical challenge. The results of this tour will play a significant role in determining the direction of Pakistan’s coaching strategy heading into future international commitments.