LAHORE – In a new development, Jason Gillespie has been picked by the Pakistan Cricket Board as head coach for Pakistan T20I and ODI outfits to travel to Australia and prepare for the white-ball cricket series there. A renowned Australian fast bowler now considered as one of cricket’s better tacticians as a player and with further experience from coaching South Australia and Sussex, he arrives in the job with very significant credentials.
Gillespie’s appointment comes in the wake of spats between former coach Gary Kirsten and the PCB over several management issues. According to sources, he had demanded more control over selection committee, central contracts, and appointments of support staff as well. He had wished that some players get into certain categories within central contracts of the PCB that would allow them to get into some stable structure and incentives, according to him, and at least for his favorite players. However, the disagreement between them over the ranking of players and the allocation of the contract was what brought stalemate.
The appointment of Gillespie marks a new epoch for Pakistan’s white-ball team as they prepare for what will be a grueling test against a mighty Australian squad. The PCB hopes the new look and competitive experience in international conditions that the former has acquired will do justice to the strengthening of T20I and ODI squads of Pakistan through an added sense of unity and performance.
