The PCB has not confirmed whether Gillespie will be head coach for a series beyond these two Tests. Pakistan hosts a two-Test series at home against the West Indies immediately after the Tests in South Africa.
PK Press Club has contacted the PCB to confirm whether its statement locks Gillespie out for any commitment beyond the two-Test series in South Africa, and is awaiting a response.
Earlier this week, the PCB sounded out Gillespie on the prospect of taking over as white-ball coach until the conclusion of the Champions Trophy. However, this increased responsibility was not accompanied by a proportionate increase in his financial compensation, which appears to be why Gillespie turned them down. Therefore, the PAC turned its attention to replacing Kirsten with a local appointment.
They initially considered the possibility of either elevating Azhar Mahmood or appointing Saqlain Mushtaq, who served as coach in 2021-22. However, neither appeared to have sufficient support within the CPC’s advisory circle, leading to Aaqib being offered the position. It is understood that he will be asked to carry out this role until the end of the Champions Trophy, after which the PCB will reassess.
Gillespie’s next immediate commitment is the third T20I against Australia, a series for which he has taken over as caretaker coach. Pakistan’s Test series against South Africa, the only other engagement for which it has yet been formally confirmed by the PCB, begins on December 26.
Although Gillespie appears to have retained his position for the immediate future, the relationship between the coach and the board has been anything but smooth. After three Tests during his tenure, Aaqib was hired by the PCB as part of a revamped selection committee, with Gillespie’s powers significantly reduced. He was removed from the selection committee and no longer had any say in which players were selected for a match or series.
“For me, when I came to Pakistan Cricket, I was told there was a long-term plan and we needed to make sure our communication was perfect,” he said at the time. “I’ve made it a real priority and so you can get frustrated if these things aren’t done the way you want them to be. That’s not what I signed up for, I’ll be completely honest.”
