‘Don’t think I can…’ Jason Gillespie drops worrying statement on becoming Pakistan’s all format coach

Current Pakistan Test cricket coach Jason Gillespie has now been given charge of the ODI and T20I teams as well. The move happened because Gary Kirsten decided to step down as the coach of the white-ball format just six months into the job. Gillespie is currently overseeing proceedings during the tour of Australia. 

The former World Cup winner was asked if he would like to take up the white-ball teams as well on a full-time basis. Gillespie, during his chat with the media in Adelaide, said, “I love coaching, but I don’t believe I can spend 11 months away from home. I also don’t think I could mentally handle it."

Pakistan beat Australia on Friday in Adelaide to level the ODI series 1-1. It is to be noted that Jason Gillespie’s home ground is Adelaide where he has played most of his cricket for the South Australian team. Pakistan won the second ODI by 9 wickets after bowling out the hosts for 163. Saim Ayub (82) and Abdullah Shafique’s 64 not out helped the side win the contest with ease. 

Pakistan Cricket Board wants Gillespie for a full-time role 

According to reports on Thursday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would want to appoint Gillespie on a full-time basis. The Australian oversaw Pakistan's comeback from behind and beat England 2-1 in the recently held three-match Test series. 

Various reports suggested that PCB will take a call on the white-ball format coaching after the tours of Australia and Zimbabwe. If the team does well, especially during the tour of Australia, there is a chance that Gillespie can be given an additional charge. 

One PCB source while speaking to PTI said, “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. If Pakistan performs satisfactorily in the remaining games in Australia, then in all probability, Gillispie would be asked to take over as all formats head coach."

The source in the know also went on to say to PTI, “Immediately afterwards, the team has to fly to Zimbabwe for another white-ball series. So, any final call would be made before that. But, the PCB's preference is to have Gillespie to also be white-ball head coach if he agrees.”