Pakistan red-ball coach Jason Gillespie confirmed on Wednesday that the PCB had decided to strip him of his selection powers.
On Wednesday, Pakistan red-ball coach Jason Gillespie confirmed the PCB’s decision to strip him of selection powers, much against the assurance of a free hand that he was promised while taking charge of the team.
Both Gillespie and Test skipper Shan Masood will no longer have a say in selection policies, and they were informed of the call by a Pakistan Cricket Board official after the first Test against England at Multan, in which the hosts lost by an innings and 47 runs.
“I’m just the coach for match day strategy. So, I keep out of things now and just focus on the players and getting them ready for cricket,” a visibly dejected Gillispie said in a media conference.
The source said they (Gillespie and Masood) have decided to keep quiet for now but will most probably discuss the matter with the PCB Chairman after the series.
He is not ruling out the possibility of Gillespie rethinking his contract with the PCB after returning to Australia after the series, which is now locked at 1-1.
“Gillespie and white ball head coach Gary Kirsten were brought in with an assurance that they would have a complete say in everything that pertains to the team, including the selection of squads and the playing eleven. But that has now changed, at least for Gillispie,” said the source.
“The PCB came in after that first Test match. It was understood that a new selection panel would come in, and they would be making decisions. I wasn’t involved in the decision-making,” Gillespie confirmed to the media.
The former Australian pacer clarified that his focus now lies on the players and that selection matters should be left to a newly appointed committee.
“Look, it’s not for me to talk about now. I am not a selector. I am a match day strategist as head coach and am all about the players. My focus is on them.
“I will let the selectors do their job, and we will just go out there and play the best cricket we can,” he said.
