Jason Gillespie “cannot mentally deal with” full-time function as Pakistan’s white-ball coach

Jason Gillespie has no intention to become the full-time white-ball coach of the Pakistan cricket team. Reports stated that the PCB was considering to make him the offer should Pakistan win the ODI series against Australia. Gillespie, who is the red ball coach, is traveling with the team as the stand-in coach after Gary Kirsten resigned from the role in October.

Jason Gillespie turns down offer for full-time Pakistan coach

Speaking to Australian media, Gillespie said that he doesn’t think he could mentally handle the role, given that he would have to be away from his family for 11 months. However, he admitted that he loved coaching. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to make perfect use of the opportunity to cash in on Gillespie’s experience as an Australian to lead the team as the stand-in coach for the PAK vs AUS series. And it has worked so far.

“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,” Gillespie said.

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PCB’s offer for Jason Gillespie

The PCB sees the former Australian pacer as a strong candidate, and officials reportedly hope to secure Gillespie’s commitment to the position at least until April. The final decision regarding the appointment is likely to come after the tour, with a second white-ball series in Zimbabwe on the horizon. 

“The Board is working on a plan to appoint Jason Gillespie as all-format head coach instead of advertising for new candidates,” an insider from the PCB shared with PTI on Thursday.

Pakistan solved one problem when they appointed Babar Azam’s successor in the eleventh hour, just before the AUS tour. Now they need to find a permanent coach as well. Pakistan have a hectic schedule in white-ball cricket leading up to the Champions Trophy in 2025.