However, the PCB has rejected the claim that Gillespie's position is on the verge of imminent death. “As previously announced, Jason Gillespie will continue to coach Pakistan for the two Test matches against South Africa,” a PCB statement said.
As the statement indicates, the PCB has not made any previous official announcements related to this tour. He has also not confirmed whether Gillespie will remain as coach for any upcoming series after the two Test matches. After playing the Test series in South Africa, Pakistan has to play a two-Test series against West Indies at home.
ESPNcricinfo has contacted the PCB about Gillespie's chances of continuing with Pakistan cricket after the South Africa tour but is still awaiting a response from the PCB.
Earlier this week there were indications that Gillespie had been asked to take additional charges as white-ball coach in the run up to the Champions Trophy. However, this additional charge did not increase the amount to be paid to Gillespie and this is believed to be the reason for Gillespie rejecting the offer. As a result, the PCB focused on replacing Kirsten with a local appointment.
The names of Azhar Mahmood and Saqlain Mushtaq were also considered but these two names did not get much support in the advisory circle of PCB due to which Aaqib's name came up in this race. It is understood he will be asked to accept the position until the Champions Trophy, after which a further decision will be made.
As formally confirmed by the PCB, Gillespie's next tour as coach after the third T20I against Australia will be to South Africa, starting on December 26.
Within three Tests of Gillespie's tenure, Aaqib was made part of a revamped selection committee and Gillespie's powers were significantly reduced. Gillespie was removed from the selection committee and could no longer interfere in the selection of any player for a match or series.
He was not satisfied with these changes and a glimpse of this was also visible in the press conference when he described himself as just a match-day strategist during the home series against England. “I wasn't signed for this,” he said in an interview with broadcaster Sky.
Gillespie had then said, “When I joined Pakistan cricket, I was told that this is a long-term plan and we have to be completely clear in communication. So I also remained completely focused and when things started happening, It's natural to be disappointed if things don't go your way. To be honest, I wasn't cut out for this.”
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