Jason Gillespie part ways with South Australia amid Pakistan coaching reports

Jason Gillespie has stepped down from his position as Head Coach of the West End Redbacks and Adelaide Strikers with the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA).

He returned to South Australia full-time before the 2020/21 summer to lead the Redbacks. Despite having a contract extension until the end of the 2024-25 season, Gillespie has resigned with one year remaining on his contract amid strong speculation linking him to a coaching role in Pakistan.

While reports connecting Gillespie to a coaching vacancy with the Pakistan Cricket Board have surfaced, SACA has chosen not to comment on the matter. Gillespie is set to conclude his duties with SACA by the end of June.

“I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together at the SACA, and I will always cherish those memories. I have no doubt that South Australian cricket has a bright future,” Gillespie said.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support during my time with the Strikers and Redbacks, it has been a true team effort. To be able to play and coach in my home State has been a wonderful experience, something I feel honoured to have achieved.

“Looking forward, I am excited to explore new opportunities in the sport and pursue the next chapter in my career.”

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is deliberating on the selection of new coaching staff for the national team.

Gary Kirsten from South Africa and Luke Ronchi from New Zealand are being considered for the head coach position, following refusals from Shane Watson, Mike Hesson, and Darren Sammy.

Both Kirsten and Ronchi have requested time to make their decisions. Furthermore, the PCB is currently engaged in discussions with Gillespie regarding a potential coaching role within the staff. The PCB aims to finalize these appointments by next week.