The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named Aqib Javed as the interim red-ball head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.
The PCB has confirmed the appointment of Aqib as the interim head coach, following the unexpected resignation of red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie.
Gillespie’s decision to step down was reportedly driven by growing differences with the PCB, creating a rift that ultimately led to his departure from the role.
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Earlier today, news broke that Gillespie refused to travel to South Africa, where he was set to oversee a specialized training camp in preparation for an upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa.
Sources familiar with the situation indicated that Gillespie’s decision to abandon the trip, which he was meant to commence yesterday, was influenced by the PCB’s choice not to extend the contract of red-ball assistant coach Tim Nielsen, a move that seemed to displease him significantly.
Although Gillespie cited personal reasons for his refusal to travel, many believe that his discomfort with the PCB is rooted in a series of recent administrative shifts.
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Notably, in October, he was removed from the Test team’s selection panel, with his role reduced to a “match-day strategist,” following Aqib Javed, Aleem Dar and Azhar Ali’s inclusion in the national men’s selection committee.
Aqib Javed, who is currently in South Africa with Pakistan’s white-ball team, will kick off his tenure as red-ball head coach with the two-match Test series, which will kick off in Centurion on December 26. The second Test will start from January 3 in Cape Town.
Pakistan squad for Test series against South Africa
Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha
READ: Jason Gillespie refuses to join Pakistan team on South Africa tour: sources